How the contexts of the new culture affect the identities of individuals upon their return to their home countries.

This study explores how the contexts of the new culture affect the identities of individuals upon their return to their home countries. The uniqueness of this study is that it examines the longitudinal impact of their post-university intercultural experiences in their 20s on their subsequent careers and cultural identities. A total of 10 former Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) of English, invited by the Japanese government's Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme, were interviewed on their return to the UK. This qualitative study explores how the context of intercultural experiences in Japanese schools influences the cultural identities of ALTs of English during their stay in Japan and after their return to their home countries. Their perceptions and behaviours towards Japanese teaching and classroom management styles changed during their stay in Japan. Their strategies towards Japanese cultural meaning systems include avoidance, resistance, formal assimilation and hybrid. On their return to their home countries, their intercultural experiences have influenced their career choices and their own awareness of their cultural identities. Most individuals expand their 'global awareness' during their careers after returning home, which is related to their extensive overseas experience, awareness of global accessibility, environmental flexibility and minority awareness. Although accessibility to the world is important for expanding the self as a 'global citizen', inaccessibility (rejection by others in the world) can lead to a critical view to transform it. Their 'career restructuring', influenced by their recognition of a deeper interest in education and Japan, and the Japan experience as a resource for their career development. This 'global awareness' and 'career restructuring' ultimately influenced their relationship with Japanese people and culture. This study explores how individuals cope with the cultural systems of meaning in a new country and the impact of their confidence on their cultural and professional identities.