GETTING INTO GIFU!
 

NEW GROOVE
Change is stressful, even if it is a good change. You are coming to a new country and a new job, you are leaving behind family and friends.  Be patient
with yourself and those around you, as everyone will be adjusting.  How you experience Japan has more to do with you than Japan.  This is a great
opportunity to really look at and understand your beliefs and boundaries.  See everything as a learning experience and realize that making mistakes is
part of life.  Stay true to yourself, take care, and don't be afraid to ask people for help.
Having said this, after the initial adjustment period, life in Japan can easily become similar, if not the same, to life at home--dinner with friends,
watching TV, seeing concerts, going out, shopping, skiing/snowboarding , etc.  You will be able to make friends with fellow JETs through the many AJET
activities, and there are numerous community events and activities in all towns and cities.
 
GETTING YOUR GROOVE ON!!
The best way to feel more at home and connected to a place is to get involved.  Do activities that you enjoyed doing at home or branch out and try new
ones while you are here.  The following are, typed in no particular order, some of the more popular activities that JETs get involved in:

Taiko drumming                       church
Japanese lessons                     choirs and singing
Doll making                              pottery
Martial arts                             flower arranging (ikebana)
Sport clubs and gyms               calligraphy (shodo)
Community classes                  Japanese poetry
Homestays                              music lessons
AJET events                            hiking
Festivals                                 language exchange
Volunteering                            biking

People are more than willing to help you, and often, just the mere mention of a passing interest will cause a whole flurry of activity on your behalf.  Be
sure you are fully prepared to meet the demands of a club before committing yourself.  Take some time to explore all your options before settling on
one thing.  As well, many JETs also do a lot of travelling in Japan and around Asia.  We are fortune enough to have an excellent salary and many
holidays, so ask other JETS about their travels and venture forth!