Going Home?

So you didn't want to continue on as an ALT for another year? Or maybe you've overstayed your welcome. Prior to 2006, JETs were allotted to a maximum 3 year stay (like yours truly). During the 2007-2008 year, the number of years has been increased to 5. One clause for staying longer is that the ALT would have to pass Level 4 of the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) or by completing an official CLAIR Japanese language course.

To be honest, though, I felt 3 years was plenty. I really couldn't imagine staying longer than that, but that's just me. Everyone will has their own opinions on how long is enough. Regardless, one thing is for certain when you leave Japan: reverse culture shock. That's right! The concept was initially formulated by Richard Brislim and H. Van Buren in 1974 and refers to the difficulties one can face when returning home from a long absence.

Reverse culture shock can be felt in different ways. Common conditions can include: boredom, apathy, problems starting a new job or project, anxiety, depression, and problems with social relations. Some people come to the conclusion that they are unable to "return home" and end up moving to another country. You may feel as if you have been "demoted" in social status.

Some of the anticipated behaviors one can expect upon returning home include: negativism towards the native society, personal change (trying to go back to your old self will likely be difficult, if impossible), and cultural change (you might have a greater appreciation for foreign cultures).

There is good news about all of this, though. Upon returning home, you start to evaluate and become more aware of what you have learned while you were abroad. Some of these things include race relations and sensitivity towards other cultures and ethnic groups. Many people feel that they have learned about both the foreign and home cultures and feel that they have come to understand themselves better.

Some returnees may have a feeling of contentment just prior to leaving Japan. They know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that the contract has been successfully accomplished. For others, they may be feeling excited about starting a new phase of their life. Things that my have seemed irritating at the time can now be viewed with more objectivity or affection.

So, how should you deal with all of these new feelings and conditions? Maybe your friends and family aren't all that interested in what you have done/accomplished. Your best bet would be to vent your frustrations in a supportive circle. That's where JET Alumni Association can come in handy. It's always good to seek others, like yourself, who have also lived and worked abroad. You are now a multi-cultural person.

If you don't want your reverse culture-shock experience to be that painful when you return home, here are some things you can do to "keep up with the times" in your home country: 1) Develop an interest in domestic affairs. Afterall, it was you, who was away. 2) Keep up with the changes in business jargon, political expression, and social language by reading through letters or periodicals. 3) Access the job situation back home as much as possible.

So, what do I do now?

You have some work experience now in education, but suppose that's not what you want to do the rest of your life. You might be afraid that you don't have any real practical skills aside from a little bit of Japanese and a pocketful of yen. What are you to do with yourself? Graduate school might be an option. More specifically, maybe you're pondering business school!

In many ways, b-school is similar to the JET experience: Competition to get into b-school is just as intense as getting into the JET Program. Once in a program, you start to get comfortable with the notion that you are invincible and should be treated with respect (sound familiar?) Your degree will take you a few years and since you will probably be super-busy with your studies, you'll almost feel like you're in a foreign country because you hardly see your family and friends.

Now, with that said, here's where the similarities end. B-school is hard work -- really hard work. I went to Thunderbird (The Garvin School of International Management) for a short time and I can tell you, it was tough! You'll be spending a lot of time reading and writing. You will also have to deal with attending a lot of lectures, meeting groups with your peers, and let's not forget getting cold-called(!) during classes. Participation is part of your grade! But hey, some people would rather challenge their brains than stand in front of a classroom full of students acting like a tape recorder. Also, with b-school, depending on where you go, you may get to do interesting things like: take up internships/fellowships and get to study more Japanese (or another foreign language).

Thus, with all of this said, b-school is not for everybody. But if this is your planned route of choice, remember to plan early. Since most schools require a GMAT score, you'll want to take that well in advance. You'll also need to obtain a copy of your undergrad transcript, a couple of letters of recommendation, and have to fill out a lengthy application form. Also, don't forget, you'll need to send money in as well in order to get all of your forms processed.

First off, unless you're one of the crazy gaijin who decided to continue working in Japan even after three years on the JET Program (just couldn't get enough of the experience, huh, you guys?), you've decided to return to your home country, wherever that may be.

What to do now, you ask? Have no fear! There are plenty of opportunities available to you! Check out your local JETAA (JET Alumni Association).

Good luck! Life is short -- HAVE FUN!