Some readers' responses to "The curious case of the eroding eikaiwa salary" by Patrick Budmar (Zeit Gist, July 3):

Your article paints the image that only JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) ALTs (assistant language teachers) connect to their community, and that they leave Japan with continuing strong connections. However, the reality is that most of these ALTs see Japan as the place where they were worshiped and idealized as celebrities. Many don't even bother to learn to speak Japanese beyond ordering a beer and some sushi.

I was an ALT on the JET program from 1997-2000 and lived in the country until January of this year with my wife, who is Japanese, and son. During my time as an ALT, I participated in various local festivals and studied the language and culture.