Job Discussion Forums

[katk]

Well my time in the states is winding down. My last day of work was last friday and now I am doing my final preperations for my trip. I have to make a list of everything I need to do before I move. I know I need to buy luggage, buy some contacts, stock up on my make up and buy one more suite. I wanted to know if there is any advice anyone may have for me that has been through this. I would like to be able to learn from someone elses' experience. Let me know if you have any words of wisdom!

[worlddiva]

Plan to have your 2 main pieces of luggage packed at least 2 days before you actually leave. Keep the last day as a fun day...I wish I would have gone for a massage before leaving...

Have a copy of your contact lense RX with you.

Try to bring a short sleeved blazer if possible it gets really hot here. Even when it's hot I still have to wear one at school.

Oh yeah, most important....go out for a nice meal of your favorite food back home. Trust me. And, also have a nice big breakfast North American style the day before. Ah....the memories of bacon and eggs benedict....I can taste the Hollandaise sauce in my mind.

Don't leave anything on your to do list for the day before, it's just too stressful.
Bring pantyhose.
Make copies of all your id and store in different pieces of luggage.
Bring a copy of your immunization records.
Bring glasses in case you lose your contacts.
Lots of photos of family and friends.
Posters of views from back home.
A good moisturizer.
Toothpaste.
Deodorant
Dental Floss
Anitibacterial hand lotion and wipes. You'll thank me later!
Cold, sore throat and allergy medication.
First aid kit.
A calling card from home. Make sure you can use it in japan first. And make sure to get the instructions on how to dial from here. The first thing you're gonna want to do when you get here is call home.
A good raincoat. Rainy season is starting soon.
Lots of music.
a J-E dictionnary.
Some of your favorite sweets to get you through your first days.
I also brought a little mask to put on my eyes so I could sleep on flights or buses or trains even if it's light out.


that's all for now, if I think of anything else I'll let you know. I remember my to do list was like 7 pages long.

a Japanese cookbook with photos.
...

Good luck. Don't get too stressed out. Try to get some sleep before you leave. Oh yeah, a Xanax, Ativan or some other alternative is nice to get over jetlag and help you sleep.

[PAULH]

[Senshixena]

I'm leaving on the 9th, so I'm glad this list is here. I had no idea there were so many things to do at the last minute. I also still need to buy luggage and clothing...and the teaching materials too I'm having trouble narrowing down. WD do you have any magazines/teaching materials you have found extremely necessary in your teaching?

[denise]

Make sure you've got a reliable friend/relative at home who is willing to send you anything you need or have forgotten. I had (and still have, hopefully!) a few people sending me care packages every so often, and they always brightened my day. Also, if you've got bills (student loans, credit card, etc.) to pay, it's really easy to pay them online, but you might need to arrange such payments before you go.

Senshixena--have you checked with your school to see what materials they have? If there are any activities/books that you are particularly fond of, I'd recommend bringing them, but don't go overboard--books (and even photocopies, if you bring enough) get really heavy!

Good luck to both of you!

d

[katk]

I know my school wrote to me and said not to worry about bringing teaching materials that they had tons etc... so i would check with them if u have someones email...

thnx for all the tips, i have books that my school gave me on culture shock and all i have been trying to read up. the raincoat!! thnx for the reminder!!!

[JimDunlop2]

Just one question: Is that YOUR DUCATI Monster?

/threadjack

[ToraGal]

have a stellar time!!

contact solution!!! U'll pay three times the amount!
i think you should bring souvenirs of own country... i brought lots of Canadian stickers to give my kids... a canuck flag.... coins etc... i have good luck pennies and that sorta stuff...

[katk]

Thank you so much for all these great ideas and pointers!!!! I am making a list. OH! to add to all the stress I got in a wreck last nite I got rearended and knocked into my sister and her husbands car which got knocked into another car!!!!!!!! So now I have to get my car fix,,, i was trying to sell it before i left oh well..... but I got my luggage, my contacts, etc....

it is not my monster.. I used to model for Ducati it was the cycle world show a couple of yrs ago.

[DerbyJohn]

Just found this thread.

Won't be long before I leave for Tokyo myself (mid-August). As ever, a very useful site. Nice that you guys take the time.

[ionix-]

Please make this thread sticky. I'll be leaving Aug 1st and it is very usefull.

[E. Singer]

If you enjoy cooking, you should make room for your favoriite spices-COSTCO size- garlic pwder, oregano, garlic pepper, etc..........they are available here but in small sizes only. I stock up whenever i go back home.

[tomjones7]

Don't forget shampoo and deodarants etc. Bring your favourite brands and if poss. arrange for friends to update your supply. The shampoos here just don't cut it. Unless you want a bad hair day every day, (water is very hard), be prepared. You can buy foreign brands here, but they are super expensive (over-priced) and usually of the herbal variety.
Bon Voyage