Working at Borderlink — Reviews by Employees

Crap, Head Games, and Headaches. They control your breathing and suck your blood.

I have been working for them for 2 years in Saitama precture. This is the second position I have had working as an ALT in Japan, and from my experience, the company doens't really have too much to do with the school environment as you are at the school every day and only have to interact with the company if they come to watch your class (which was only like once a year for me).

The other two people rating them seem like they would have problems at any company they worked at, so I thought I would give a more helpful and honest rating. As far as career potential/growth goes, it is an ALT job. There is not much growth potential for ALTs, and if you expect to work as an ALT past 30-35 years old, then you probably are only doing it because that is the only job you could get. Not saying anything bad about people over that still working as ALTs, I am only pointing out that the ALT (ASSITANT language teacher, not even a real teacher) job is a temporary thing. Great way to come to Japan and work, while possibly saving up money to go back to school or buy a car when you go home or whatever, or to totally blow on food and entertainment while you are in Japan. Either way, ALT is not a career. That said, this company did have area managers who were ALTs that had a little more responsibility, so in that sense there was a slight chance of somewhat getting some form of experience to write on your resume.

In regards to other things mentioned by the other posters (short and simple, not defending or attacking):

- My salary was always paid on time, and was paid what was promised. I was told about August in the interview. Winter was full, but they used 2 of my paid leave days. Fine with me since I got full pay.

- No work for me in August, they gave me the option of getting slightly less each month and getting 60% as payment for August (I got this option from the second year)

- Received 7 days of paid leave (my previous company didn't give us any), and they said they had the right to choose where two of those were used (checked it, it is legal. don't take my word for it, look it up yourself, but any company has the right to choose where you use any paid leave days in excess of 5. I didn't use them all, so it didn't really affect me, anyway)

- I paid housing costs. I did pay cleaning fees when I moved out of my Leopalace the first year to relocate, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the company.

- My schools were normal. If you have no experience, they you should realize that the company has almost nothing to do with your schools unless there are problems you experience at school. If you cause problems, are late, leave early, etc. then the company would get involved. Otherwise, the two are virtually irrelevant to each other.

- I was at work on time evey day, and only took off 3 days throughout the first year and 2 in the second. I received pay for all 5, but I submitted my requests well in advance. If you ask off suddenly, I don't know how they handle it.

- I only had to call the office all of maybe 3 times for visa and tax issues, but never had any problems.

- Being an ALT job, the job security is not so high since all of the companies keep their contracts by sending good ALTs and by not asking for too high a fee from the BOEs/cities. (in regards to the two previous posters, they were ever fired or quit. honestly speaking, these are the people who perpituate the cycle of the BOEs always trying to find a better or cheaper company, so keep that in mind when you read reviews/comments about any company)

All in all, I will probably stay on one more year and then either try to get a job as a translator. The company was fine in my opinion. If you want someone to pay you 300,000 yen per month to work M-F 8:30 - 4:30, of which you do maybe 4 classes on average per day, and to pay your transportation costs and a portion of living costs, apply for the JET programme. In terms of private ALT companies, Borderlink was better than my first ALT company, but really have nothing else to compare them to. All I can say is that I never had problems with them, and don't forsee any.