So it's been a while but that's b/c I've been super busy getting all things prepped and set for my departure in less that 2 weeks! So much done and yet so much to do. Thus far I've bought an entirely new wardrobe (mostly work clothes) and shoes galore (indoor slippers, hikers, kicks, dress shoes). I've also bought some school supplies like kids books, crayons, markers, teacher stickers (Way to Go! Outta Sight! Far Out!...for some reason the dollar store likes retro :). I've picked up Canadian theme stuff like key rings and magnets and gifts for my school manager and fellow teachers. Just be warned this can cost you between $1000-$2000 for all your start-ups. I probably bought more than I need but you never know...especially since it'll be a tad difficult to find my size in clothing. I'm not huge but I'm not teeny tiny either! And don't forget to buy suitcases - the 4-wheelers are AMAZING!!!
One thing they recommend is to bring a year supply of: anti-perspirant (they have deodorant but not anti-pers), toothpaste (no fluoride in Japan), pantyhose, socks, and some meds. Now, some of these things require special permission from Japanese customs. So here's some info about it:
- Yakken Shoumei is required for anybody wishing to take more than 1 month supply prescriptions meds or 2 months supply of non-prescription meds (including supplements, toothpaste, anti-perspirant, contacts, epi-pen, etc.) NOTE: YS is required for epi-pen regardless of amount
- it can take a few weeks to receive an answer back from Japan so get your request well in advance. I sent it in 5 weeks before departure and it took 3 weeks to get back to me.
- send it in for everything you need just to be sure. I requested 10 things and was approved for everything.
- make sure you read the samples of how to fill them out and proof-read them several times to assure no mistakes! It would really suck if you forgot one thing and they rejected you. It costs money to send it there and you have to include return postage too. Don't forget to sign each sheet too!!!
If you have any questions you can leave a comment and I'll get back to you :)
I've also been in contact with with the person I'm taking over and he's given me some valuable advice about what to expect and do. He also gave me some pics of my future apartment. Youtube prepared me well...no counter space and TIIIINNNYYYY! But at least I know. I also just received a cute card and letter from my school signed by everyone wishing me luck in training! I had sent them a letter a few weeks ago introducing myself. Very nice!
They also want you to have enough to live comfortably the first month you're there as you won't get paid for 4-6 weeks and the first paycheck will have deductions for insurance, taxes, etc. They recommend about 200,000 Yen - 50,000 Yen in cash and the rest in Canadian travellers cheques. That's a lot o' money so make sure you're ready to accept that.
Now comes the time to pack and spend time with family and friends. I've been trying to budget my time but it's a little hard because everyone has different schedules. Everyone goes through this and feels a little anxious before they go so don't worry. No matter how much time you have there's still never enough :)
And that's it! My flight arrives on a Saturday and I don't start training until Tuesday so I have some time off to check out the sights and get over the jet-lag. I love that idea!
I can't wait to blog about my arrival in Japan and all the things to see and do! The area I'm living in is super-busy and fun with a zoo, aquarium, amusement park, ramen noodle museum, and Japan's biggest Chinatown! Excited!!! More to come :) Wish me luck!
