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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, JET participants will experience ways of thinking and actions that differs from, or even conflict with their own. This forces JET participants to re-examine 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)

JET participants often feel homesick and have negative attitudes towards the host culture.


3 Gradual Adjustment

JET participants start to adjust and the culture seems more familiar.


4 Adaptation and Biculturalism

JET participants are completely adjusted to the host culture and may even experience reverse culture shock upon returning to their home countries.

 

What are the signs of culture shock?

 

JET participants are 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 their own nationality, and isolation.

 

How do you cope? JET participants should try to:

 

  • eat well
  • exercise
  • explore your surroundings
  • 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 Advisors, or call the JET Line.