Job Discussion Forums

[mtheta]

Hello!

I have oficially accepted a teaching position in Sendai, Japan. I plan on moving in mid-August and was wondering if anyone had some moving tips/advice.

I am moving into a fully furnished house/apartment so I don't need to worry anout the major stuff.

Anything you wish you had brought or not brought? Packing advice welcome.

I plan on bringing 2 large suitcases, a carry-on and my laptop. Mostly clothes, some pictures, treats I can't live without.

Thanks so much!!

[womblingfree]

Whatever you bring remember that you'll probably have about 3 or 4 times as much when you leave.

Bring as little as possible.

Any special medicines/shampoos/creams etc. would be advisable.

[jc1977]

I'm in the same moving mode right now. Just the essential clothes, my laptop, DVDs, books and the following that I hear are tough to come by/aren't very effective in Japan: deodorant, toothpaste, contraceptives.

I also plan on bringing two checked bags and a carry on. But remember, you have to lug all this crap around when you land, including, in my case, up several flights of stairs.

Anyone else has any moving advice, I'd love to see it. Cheers.

[mtheta]

I was told there is some bagage service that will send your bags from the airport to your residence for a resonable cost. That will solve the bagage issue. I think it takes a few days to arrive, so as long as you have the essentials on your carry-on, it should be fine.

I will try and get the name of the service and post it.

[ava77]

ABC or Blackcat I think both deliver from the airport. you will see the desks where you go at the airport I believe a big suitcase is about 2000yen.

[Glenski]

[Ai]

[bornslippy1981]

This isn't something to bring, but something you might want to do before leaving. It's something that I find nice to look back on every now and then and see how my perceptions have changed.

Anyway, spend about 20 minutes and write a page or so of what you think Japan will be like. Is the image in your mind like Black Rain or Lost in Translation, with lots of flashing lights and huge buildings? Do you think people eat sushi 3 times a day? What are the people like? I could go on and on, but my images will differ from yours.

I think the top three things I have found to be completely different than what I thought are: there are houses; every train isn't a shinkansen; people aren't sumo wrestling outside the train stations.

Again, your images will be very different than mine.

[kdynamic]

Are you coming from the US? This advice may apply to others, but definitely to Americans:

1. International Driver's Permit. Provided you already have a licence, get one of these from AAA. It doesn't cost much and even if you think you might not be driving, get it.

2. Figure out your taxes. It's far easier to make calls to the IRS when you're in their time zone and area code. Just figure out what you need to so you'll be ready when the time comes. Make sure you ae bringing all the required paperwork that you can't print out online.

3. Make sure you maintain basic health insurance. You can get a minimal policy with a high deductable for about $70/mo. It's worth it. Even if you will have insurance in Japan (you will) it's very hard and very expensive to restart US insurance after being uninsured. If you develop a condition while in Japan, when you go back no insurance company will conver your existing condition. You do not want to be in this situation. Maintain continuous health coverage.

[MrCAPiTUL]

K, I like that health insurance one. Goodness forbid you are without a job when you come back to the States and something happens. Or if you come back for a visit, or any reason, really.

Also, something to take care of, you may want to make sure things are lined up with your American bank. If you want to send money to them, etc. Make the process a lot easier. Congrats on the move, too, btw.

[mtheta]

I'm Canadain, so I am covered Health Insurance wise. I love the journal idea. I am actually planning on video archiving my stay, so I will do a few shots before I go.

Good point about the bank, I am hoping I can continue to do my banking online.

So much to do, so little time!

Thanks for the great tips.

[Florizalll]

[MrCAPiTUL]

To play on that intl drivers lic., is it hard to obtain a J lic. once you are there on an intl drivers lic.? Aren't those intl ones only good for one year in JP?

[PAULH]

[MrCAPiTUL]

Good info. Thanks Paul.