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Support Available for JET Programme Participants

yCulture Shockz

Culture Shock is a four-stage cycle that most people experience a number of times. It is triggered by the inability of people to adjust and evaluate experiences from the host culturefs perspective. While in Japan, the JET participant will experience ways of thinking and actions that differs from, or even conflict with their own. This will force the JET participant to re-examine the assumptions and social behaviours which were once thought absolute, and may cause discomfort, disorientation and emotional conflicts.

 

The four stages of Culture Shock are as follows:

 

1 Initial Euphoria (Honeymoon Period)

Anything new is intriguing and exciting.


2 Irritation and Hostility (Culture Shock)

The JET participant often fees homesick and had a negative attitude towards the host culture.


3 Gradual Adjustment

The JET participant starts to adjust and the culture seems more familiar.


4 Adaptation and Biculturalism

The JET participant is completely adjusted to the host culture and may even experience Reverse Culture Shock upon their return to their home country.

 

What are the signs of Culture Shock?

 

The JET participant is experiencing anxiety, lack of self-confidence, panic attacks, loss of initiative and spontaneity, excessive anger over minor things, strong desire to associate with people of the JET participantfs nationality, isolation.

 

How to cope? The JET participant should try to:

 

  • eat well
  • exercise
  • explore (neighbourhood)
  • keep in touch with friends
  • write a diary/ letters to family and friends back home
  • learn to say gnoh and keep some time for themselves
  • talk to friends and family, or to their Prefectural Advisor, or call the JETLine