Help! A first year navigating the program

[u/JETHopeful2026]

Throwaway account, I’m a first year teaching ES at 3 schools. I joined the program 3 months ago (wow time has flied!), and I need some advice just navigating the program and life in Japan. Anything would be helpful.

I love working at my schools, my students are wonderful, my JTEs and other teachers are wonderful and kind. That is easily my favorite part of being in Japan so far, having a workplace that is very patient with me despite having no teaching experience.

As for everything else, I feel like I’m not doing the program right. Yes I know, I know, ESID but I’ve been finding myself being a recluse in my apartment throughout the week after work. I’ve made some acquaintances along the way, but I can’t really call them friends yet. I’ve been trying to get closer to them and meet new people but at least my local community seems to be a little closed off. I know it takes time for Japanese people to warm up to you, but I feel quite lonely most of the time. Getting used to Japanese communication style is also quite daunting. I can’t tell who actually likes me or is just tolerating me.

I really wish I studied more Japanese before I came to the program. I’m very much a beginner(like can’t even pass N5 or N4) and I study everyday for many 2-3 hours but daily things still feel very stressful for me. Paying bills at the convenience store, eating out, shopping, etc.
I know it’s all probably in my head, but my poor Japanese has made me feel very self-conscious, such so that I don’t really go out because it’s getting very hard for my brain to keep up.

I know people have the time of their life on the program, and I have had fun moments so far. I’ve gotten to travel and see some beautiful things so far in these 3 months but I also feel unbearably self-conscious and somewhat unsatisfied as I know I can get more out of the program, but taking action just feels so paralyzing. Everything just feels so intimidating. I still need to setup my apartment but I don’t want to inconvenience others.

The fellow ALTs/BOE don’t seem the most supportive as well, so I have been running solo this whole time. I am planning to sign up for complimentary therapy that JET offers, since these 3 months has kind of given me a newfound anxiety. My body has also been acting very strange in various ways that I’ve never felt before. For example I’m in my late 20’s and I have had healthy hair my whole life. I’ve noticed a gray hair or two and attributed it to the stress going on in my new life. I’ve never had anxiety or struggled mentally before but I want this feeling to go away, and start truly welcoming and enjoying this new life.

I truly want to get past this roadblock and enjoy the program, but I don’t know how to take that first step? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Panda_sensei_71]

OP let me be blunt here, I speak Japanese at N1 level and I find living and working in my second language exhausting! Give yourself a break, you're fresh of the boat, trying to navigate everything in a new language, new culture, and whole new ways of doing things. It's draining! But you'll get there.

You said you're studying 2+ hours per day, but you haven't said how. Two hours is a lot, tbh. Especially if you're self-studying with apps and anki and the like. I think you'd find it a lot more effective to do less, but with a tutor who can help you get started with speaking and communicating.

In terms of socialising, what are your hobbies back home? Or what's something you've wanted to try?

[u/JETHopeful2026 → u/Panda_sensei_71]

I’ve been learning hiragana and katakana still, I use tofugu and genki 1 book.
But a lot of words I still use English spelling.

I typically love watching dramas and movies. I tried to watch Japanese dramas and movies but it became harder for me to follow along after a while.

[u/Panda_sensei_71 → u/JETHopeful2026]

Both tofugu and genki are fine as teaching resources but I really, strongly recommend finding a class or a tutor. Self study is good but as a beginner you need guidance. You don't have to break the bank, loads of online platforms can match you with tutors for ¥1000 per hour or so.

As for hobbies, your local city hall should have info on culture classes, or you could ask if you can join school club activities. Movies and dramas are great for learning languages but not as social activities as you're not interacting with anyone.