2. Relationships with people in
Japan
Professionalism
Hierarchy
Chain of Command
Party Etiquette
Gift Giving
Work and Private self
Confidentiality
3. [… with JTEs]
Personal connections influence teaching
It takes time: passive waiting is OK!
Build trust and understand each other’s
expectations
4. […with students]
Appropriate distance: teacher and/or friend?
English or 日本語?
Contact after graduation
5. […with Japanese friends]
Meeting people through organized
events/clubs
Clubs are taken seriously
Don’t over commit, even if urged
6. Accepting and Refusing
Invitations
As a rule, say “yes” unless you have a reason
not to.
You don’t have to give a reason when refusing.
Word = Bond
Ifyou say you’re going to do something, you have
to.
Don’t let high-status friends push you around.
7. Japan and Time
In our own countries, it is fashionable to arrive
late.
Social time is a rigid as professional time.
If you’re late, you inconvenience everyone.
9. Social [business] Card
Be judicious
This is physical representation of your
professional life.
If you get a business card, you don’t have to
return one.
11. Big Brother is Watching
High Visibility
People know you, even if you don’t know them.
Be Circumspect
Notice
the contents of your trash, your
companions, your house, your car.
12. Your House is NOT Your House
Your employer may be responsible for your
house.
There may be rules and regulations of which
you are not aware.
Any complaints may be passed over you,
straight to your employer.
13. Trash Disposal
Your trash may be inspected, so dispose
properly.
Don’t trash documents with personal
information.
14. Yamagata is Small
You’ll never know when you’ll run into
someone you know.
15. […with the Foreign Community]
Insularity
Livingin a small town means everything gets
around fast.
Some JETs do not make Japanese friends.
Some JETs do not make foreign friends.
16. Professional Support
JETs and other foreign teachers understand
the issues you face.
More-experiences foreigners are usually
happy to help.
Sharing ideas improves your current work.
Networking improves your future.
Vent to relax.
17. Socially Integrating the Foreign
and Japanese Communities
Language Issues
Different attitudes towards time, drinking, and
sexuality can be problematic in mixed groups.
Good opportunity for linguistic and cultural
exchange
[a major goal of the JET Programme].
19. […with Family]
How often should you contact them?
What do they need from you?
What do you need from them?
Taking it for granted, or not.
They only see snap shots of your life.
Call or write when you feel good.
Consider postponing contact when you feel
terrible.
Don’t postpone if you’re really upset and need to
talk.
20. […with Friends]
“I have so much to tell you about AMAZING
JAPAN” versus “I still work at Best Buy.”
Your friends may not be interested in what you’re up
to.
Their lives may be the same as before, so they feel
like they don’t have much to share.
Infinite possibility and finite time for
communication
Realize that friendships change due to proximity
…maybe you can’t stay close with everyone.
Sometimes short, frequent messages are better.
Sometimes long, infrequent messages are better.
Consider the friendships that you value most, and
work to maintain them.
21. […with Former Employees &
Profs]
They really want to hear from you, so send
updates
Postcards and emails are good.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a response.
Keep options for your return open by keeping
relationships open.
Don’t let your networks atrophy
You may have different ideas in a few years about
your future.
Keep up on your academic or professional field.
Take some time to read new literature
Talk to people from home or in Japan who are also
interested.
22. The Internet
Be circumspect when posting about work
JETs have been dismissed for this!
Don’t post pictures of students
Consider the impression your content will give
to viewers from home, as well as Japan
Use common sense: you don’t always know
who sees what.
