Reverse culture shock
You’re about to go home…
…but will “home” really feel like home?
Remember your first time…
Culture shock when you first came
Let’s review: what is culture shock?
Oxford dictionary defines it as: the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.
�Brown University states it comes from being cut off from things you are familiar with.
Japanese
Reverse culture shock? That’s a thing?
It is and depending how several factors such as…
-adaptability
-length of time in Japan
-leaving circumstances
-reasons for going back
-your age
-when did you last visit
…along with other factors can affect how it hits.
Being aware
everything you’re experiencing.
belong anymore.
My expectations
My experience
-Didn’t experience the racism or politics.
-Almost no masking.
-English! English everywhere!
-American mannerisms VS Japanese mannerisms.
-Differences in how people act, even on the road.
-How much I wanted to talk about Japan and compare with my friends.
-Started to struggle with the feeling of loneliness.
-Having the feeling that my US home didn’t feel like home or felt less familiar.
-Got closer to friends I wasn’t close to before, even made new friends!
-I had a support though of friends in Japan!
-I met my new family member!
Addressing the specifics
Different things that might take you aback…
Language and mannerisms
Don’t be surprised when you turn Japanese in unexpected moments.
No need to be overly embarrassed.
Feeling of unease
Did Japan really happen? Are you really home? Was it just a fever dream?
This used to be easier…
Familiar might be gone, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t challenge yourself to create something new for yourself!
Getting back into the groove
People may not be aware of the same changes you’ve noticed.
Everyone’s worlds are different.
Let them know the new you while you get to know your new home.
These might take time.
How did I get along with people?
As your absence has left a hole in some people’s lives, people have learned to live on.
You also may noticed lots of changes everywhere.
But remember, that’s OK because you’ve also experienced a lot as well, and have grown in your own way too!
Take your time to discover new things in your friends and family, and reacquaint yourself with them!
The COVID world
Everyone will be coming back to a different environment.
While folks will have some sort of stance on masks and vaccines, just remember that not everyone shares the same views that Japan and Asia does.
Did I matter?
“Was I a good CIR/ALT?”
“Will anyone remember what I did?”
“Did I impact anyone’s lives or learning?”
The answer is YES. Even if you may not see it, you made a difference in someone’s life!
Find people, reach out
A phone works both ways.
Don’t always wait for people to come to you.
You’re not alone
Find a way to get grounded and connected. It’s OK to seek help!
Seek out a JET alumni group (for example, JETAA). Check out opportunities and apps like Meetup.com. Talk with friends in Japan!
Reverse culture shock isn’t one-and-done
Look towards the future!
Time to go from Japan-mode to home-country-mode!
You may want to look back at your life in Japan.
Reflecting and reminiscing is great, but your new life awaits!
Take the chance to try something new!
Create new memories! Make new friends!
Resources to stay connected
Local ways to stay connected
Thank you! And good luck!�We’re here if you need us!
You’re almost at the home stretch!