1.
Don't try to change your environment too much.
Japan
is a bizarre place. Many things they do just won’t
make sense and while it’s true that a lot of the things
we do (especially in education matters) are more efficient,
you will not enjoy your stay if you make it your personal
crusade to change Japan. Be free, but tactful, with your
opinions. Don’t push. You won’t cause
widespread educational or social reform. Be compliant and
forgiving of odd Japanese eccentricities. There's a lot
we can learn from Japan.
2.
Make a lot of Japanese friends.
In
the larger cities there will be a number of other JETs and
other foreigners at local language schools. In a foreign
and exclusive country like Japan it is only natural to seek
out their company, and while that is good and can relieve
stress, be careful not to close yourself off to opening
up new friendships with your Japanese peers.
3.
Travel inside Japan AND somewhere in Asia.
This
is important. Use some of the money you were planning on
hoarding or paying off your student debts with and take
it traveling. There's a lot to see inside Japan and even
more in the countries nearby. If you don't travel while
you are there, you will always regret it.
4.
Learn the language.
Take
private courses or study independently just make sure you
learn a good amount. Not only will it help you in adapting,
but you'll feel more fulfilled coming off of the program
knowing that you speak some of the language.
5.
Attend cultural events.
Living
in Japan, you'll have the opportunity to see
or participate
in Japanese
cultural festivals or rituals. In most countries that
JETs come from, there is nothing remotely like these events.
6.
Pick up a new sport or activity.
Japanese
swordfighting (kendo), aikido, calligraphy (shodo),
Japanese flower arranging (ikebana), whatever!
The sky's the limit. Having a new activity will add a new
dimension to your visit and it's something you'll always
carry with you.
7.
Start a club.
At
each of my four schools I started an English Club. It was
not the easiest thing in the world to do, not having a Japanese
teacher with me at all the meetings. But starting these
clubs was one of the most rewarding and exciting things
I did at school and I got to know the students so much better.
8.
Network and share.
It's
a terrific stress reliever to get together with the other
JETs and complain about work, but at the same time you should
be sharing your "wins" and school lessons. Exchange
worksheets, lesson plans, games, and solutions to problems.
Schedule a time once a month with the JETs in your area
to do this. Make "the JET Pow-wow" a regular thing.
9.
Don't lose touch with your old friends or yourself.
Keep
in close contact with friends and relatives back home. It's
true that you have a new life in Japan, but don't forget
that you will someday return to wherever you came from.
10.
Just be yourself.
Adapt,
but don't assimilate. Offer opinions, but don't be arrogant.
Be forgiving of Japanese idiosyncrasies, but don't be afraid
to assert yourself. Don't ever be too afraid to make mistakes
that you lose touch with or stop enjoying what you are doing.
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