Unpacking Japan: What You Carry Home
You built a life in Japan- a routine, a community, a version of yourself that made sense in that place. Then you packed it into a couple of suitcases and flew “home” to people who ask, "How was Japan?", which is an impossible question to answer.
That gap can hit you hard and it might hit you right away (like, upon touchdown in the US) or in a few months (like, when you find yourself crying in the corner eating all the omiyage you brought home for friends and family). You are grieving the JET life you left behind and all of this is wrapped up in reverse culture shock. This is much more pleasant to go through with a community that understands rather than solo. You can eat your omiyage while you join us- we won’t judge you.
This is the exact reason we are hosting Unpacking Japan: What you Carry Home, an honest, interactive evening for recently returned JETs. Together we will look at what reverse culture shock is and how it tends to show up over time, spend guided time reflecting on your experience and the growth that came with it (What do you want to carry forward from Japan? What are you excited to return to here at home?) and share resources available to you as you rebuild your life here and figure out what comes next- personally, emotionally and professionally.
You will also have space to talk with other JETs who are exactly where you are right now, in small groups and in Q&A with our facilitators. This is often the part that matters the most- the relief of being understood without having to explain.
Our facilitators are all JET alumni with expertise and experience in intercultural transition and specifically the JET experience. We have been through this transition ourselves and are here to help you make sense of it. Come unpack with us.
When: Monday, September 14, 2026, 7:30-9:00pm ET
Where: Online (Zoom link sent upon registration)
Cost: $10 suggested donation
This workshop is presented in partnership with Positive Global Learning, one of our wonderful JET-Alumni Owned Business sponsors.
Speakers / Presenters:
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Christian is a JET Programme alumnus who has built a life and career in Japan spanning international exchange, global mobility, and multicultural leadership. After four years as an ALT in Miyazaki, he went on to work as a JET Programme Coordinator before building a long-term career in global HR and mobility, where he now leads Japan mobility operations and works across multinational teams. His path offers returnees a unique perspective on recognizing how JET has shaped them, navigating life across cultures, and intentionally carrying the relationships, skills, and experiences they gained in Japan into whatever comes next.
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Genevieve is an educator, counselor, global education consultant, and wellbeing facilitator with nearly 20 years of experience across the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. A former Aomori JET, she now serves as Director of Global Education and Wellbeing at Know My World, where her work centers on social-emotional learning, mindfulness, cross-cultural connection, and personal growth. Genevieve brings a thoughtful perspective on reflection, identity, wellbeing, and intentionally carrying the lessons of an international experience into whatever comes next.
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Karl is a former JET Programme ALT who spent three years teaching in East Chichibu Village, Saitama Prefecture. After returning to the United States, he continued his career in education, teaching English in Minnesota schools and earning a Master of Education from the College of St. Scholastica. He later transitioned from classroom education into consulting and currently works as a Senior Professional Services Consultant specializing in change management at ServiceRocket. Drawing on his experiences across JET, education, and a significant professional transition of his own, Karl brings a thoughtful perspective on navigating change and the evolving journey after JET.
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Rose is a two-time JET Programme alum who taught in Shimane Prefecture and has spent much of her personal and professional life building connections between Japan and the United States. Now based in Kobe, she works in relocation and has extensive experience helping people navigate international and intercultural transitions. Having experienced reverse culture shock herself after JET, Rose brings a deeply personal perspective on finding community, staying connected to Japan, and carrying an international experience forward into the next chapter of life.
