What's it like?

[Beebs]

I asked this question a few hours before the forum update, but I never got a chance to see if anyone replied.

I've been in Japan for a year now and I'm going back to Canada for a 3-week visit soon. I haven't left the country since I first arrived in Narita Airport as a scared and sweaty foreigner (it was September so it was pretty warm).

So simply put, what's it like going home after living in Japan for an extended period of time? Can you still read the signs? Do you stare blankly at the 7-11 staff when they speak English to you? Do you spend hours gazing at your coutry's currency? And for you Canadians: Do you chuckle to yourself when you say, "A Double-double please" and the staff understands you? :)

[stillbornsinger]

Interested in hearing responses to this thread as well... been overseas for nearly two years and will be going back soon.

[PopCulturePooka]

Its... deflating.

A really huge reverse culture shock for one and homesickness gets bad.

On the other hand, if you go right back to the life you led before Japan, its almost too easy. Feels un-naturaly easy to slide back into the same old routines.

One thing I have found since coming back is a few years teaching in NOVA means absoulte jack shit employment wise. Most employers don't care at all. Some even seemed to think it was somewhat negative points towards me.

And NOVA is terrible with references. They give you a pretty dull one and are weary about providing you with contacts for references.

I recommend you square up some people to be references for you before you leave. Either your HT, AT or even Childrens or Voice Co-ordinators.

[Saitou Hajime]

Thanks for the tip, Pooka. I know I'm going to try to find other work to do in Japan after JET time is up (haven't even started that yet, I'm a long way off as well lol), but if that doesn't work out, then I'd like some references that matter.

[Beebs]

Its... deflating.

A really huge reverse culture shock for one and homesickness gets bad.
Sorry, I'm not sure I understand this part. When you go back to your home country, you miss your home in Japan or you REALLY miss you actual home when you return to Japan?

Its... deflating.

And NOVA is terrible with references. They give you a pretty dull one and are weary about providing you with contacts for references.

I recommend you square up some people to be references for you before you leave. Either your HT, AT or even Childrens or Voice Co-ordinators.

Although I'm only going for a 3-week visit, I appreciate the advice for when I do quit NOVA. I work in a big school so I have ATs, Ts, HTs and my AAM that know me well. Thanks again!