Job Discussion Forums

ichiro · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 5

Hi'

I'm going to Japan in a month, and just another electricity question. I know the voltage for a mac ibook should be fine, but do i need an adapter for the outlet, are the prongs a different size? Thanks

On a side note, i just received my COE from NOVA, and am half-excited, half very worried. I don't know if it'll be the apocalypse or something when I get there. I know that the job may only last a very short time given the very shaky ground. The problem with otherjob searching is that I also need like 4000 dollars to get an apartment not from NOVA.
It's strange for someone who was really looking forward to this trip, is now still excited to go (I also have a lot of family to visit) and yet mildly scared at the same time. A lot of complications!

Any advice? (other than immediate bail out? I know job searching is good advice too, but I'm just looking on some tips for a difficult situation!)

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hi,

Are the prongs a different size from where? You don't give your nationality. I'm guessing you are American or Canadian, and if I'm right, then no, the prongs are the same. Only 2 pin plugs will go into the outlets though.

Otherwise (Australian, British, New Zealander?) they are different, and you can buy an adaptor at your local electronics shop or the airport on the way here.

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

When are you arriving in Japan and what's your port of entry? Narita or Kansai?

JonnyB61 · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 216 Location: Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Wall outlets in Japan have 2 prongs of equal size. Figure on that for whatever configuration you have now.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

It's also important to know that they are flat and parallel. NZ and Australian plugs have prongs of equal size but they are set at an angle to each other. European plugs have prongs of equal size but they are round. etc. etc. Wink

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Japanese plug:

Most outlets don't have a grounding plug, so if you have a 3-pronged plug you'll have to get a two-prong converter.

As far as an apartment goes, you should be bringing at least $4K USD with you, anyway. You never know, any job may fall through. You need a security net in case of anything. It'll be much easier for you to land a job when you are physically present in Japan, so if Nova does crash and burn you can go job hunting. That is, you can go job hunting if you aren't penniless.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Get a NOVA apartment. Get set up and into a routine. Then start looking for a different place. The NOVA apartment will offer stability and a chance to meet some other people. Look at it as a temporary solution and leave the housing when you can.

jademonkey · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 180

Nova gave you a work visa. I see that as the best reason to work for them.

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Ask around when you get here for someone who might have a house kicking about that they want to rent. There are dozens of Japanese style houses just sitting around empty, because most young people move into those faceless apartment blocks because they have mod cons. And those are the ones that screw you for 'key money' (your 4000 odd dollars). I have a mate who asked the woman who ran the local youth hostel, and he got a huge house all to himself for just 60,000yen a month (it would be a really good deal, but the woman won't let him share with anyone), no key money whatsoever. And she gives him beer.

You could ask your students, but maybe Nova wouldn't be too happy about that!

ichiro · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 5

Hi guys, thanks for your advice, I am canadian and going to Kansai (osaka) entry point. It looks like Ill need all the money i can spare, for apartments, other job hunts etc. I`m wondering if i should take their advance (if they even do that now because of their problems). Oh well, we`ll see how it all comes down. It will be an interesting beginning to say the least!!

Any other tips (from any ex-NOVAs, others) would be appreciated!!

ichiro · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 5

Oh yeah, Im coming in July 17th

thanks

sallycat · Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 303 Location: behind you. BOO!

i don't know if it makes any difference whether you take the advance or not. if you have enough money to do without it, it's psychologically nicer to get bigger paychecks from the start, but financially it should be no big deal.
i'd say use the nova apparentment as a temporary base until you can find something better. you can check at local international community centres...people do put ads up there if they're looking for a room-mate. also the "kansai flea market", which is published every week, has listings for accomodation.
nova's situation seems unstable at the moment, but i think you should be ok staying in nova accomodation for quite a few months. that's just what seems likely to me, though.