The Year Abroad (Japan)
Contents Introduction
Choosing a university
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Kansai Gaidai Kyoto Sango University Musashi University Nagoya University of Foreign Studies Waseda University
The application process Preparing for your year abroad Making your application
Pre-departure information Applying for a student visa Arrival and departure restrictions Medical issues Pre-departure security check Exam results Booking flights Luggage and packing Food and drink
Arriving in Japan
Landing examination procedure Arriving in Japan Orientation Meeting your international student adviser Registering at your university Obtaining a student ID card Alien registration scheme
Academic culture Grading system Plagiarism Libraries Books
Money matters
Budgeting Finances, traveller’s cheques, and opening bank accounts Bank cards Internet banking Living costs Tuition fees at the University of Kent Student loans Scholarships Access to Learning Fund
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Sports and healthcare
Sports facilities on campus Health regulations and vaccinations University facilities Insurance The University of Kent’s insurance policy Dental care Medication Declaration of illnesses, disabilities or allergies Counselling and mental illness
Life in Japan
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Travel in Japan
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Life back home
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Preparing to return home
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Other resources
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FAQs
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National holidays Time zones Telephones and making calls Placing an international call Voltage and electrical appliances Legal matters
Re-entry permits Public transport Driving in Japan Hotels and lodgings Youth hostels
Keeping in touch with the University of Kent Registering to vote as an overseas student
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Clearing debts Registering for classes at the University of Kent Accommodation at the University of Kent When you return to the UK
Travel guides
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Contact information
Student testimonials
Finally‌
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Inside back cover
Inside back cover
The Year Abroad (Japan) Introduction
Introduction Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for students at the University of Kent. Not only does it expand your academic horizons and expose you to other perspectives of academic thought, it also provides you with a wonderful cultural experience: to live and study in another country. This guide is intended to supplement any material that you may already have received, and should provide you with useful information as you prepare for your academic year in Japan. You should supplement this guide with a careful reading of any information you may receive from your Japanese university/college and with some independent research of your own. Please read this booklet in its entirety before you leave for Japan. If, after reading it, you still have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant staff (see our Contacts section on p16) who will do their best to answer your questions in a timely manner. We would also welcome suggestions of topics that you feel should be covered, or which you think should be expanded in this booklet. Lastly, we wish you the best of luck with your year in Japan and encourage you to make the most of all of the opportunities that will come your way. Remember that you are also ambassadors for the University of Kent, so do us proud! Best wishes from the International Office, University of Kent
Reminder der (Welfare and Please email Hazel Lan nder@kent.ac.uk h.la at r) ice Exchanges Off an, to provide Jap in ive as soon as you arr ber, address num ne her with your new pho itics students Pol n. atio rm info t tac and con rah Hyde – must also email Dr Sa s.j.hyde@kent.ac.uk
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The Year Abroad (Japan) Choosing a university
Choosing a university Deciding which university you will apply to for your year abroad is an important process. It is worth spending time researching which university will provide you with the best experience for you. Our partner universities: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (‘APU’) APU is located in Beppu, which is found in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island in the south of Japan. The city has a small population of 125,000 and the cost of living in Beppu is very low for Japan: for example, a draft beer will cost ¥1,000 in Tokyo, compared to ¥300 in Beppu.
Food/meals You should expect to spend around ¥40,000 per month on food. Academic expenses Books and study materials should cost ¥6,000 per month approximately. Transportation This will cost you around ¥5,000 per month. For further information on public transport in Japan, please see p11. Other miscellaneous expenses You should allow around ¥10,000 per month to cover your living expenses at APU. For further details, on life at APU, see www.apu.ac.jp
Degree programme University Social Anthropology with a year in Japan
Politics and International Relations with a Year in Japan
Kansai Gaidai, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (‘APU’), Waseda on alternate years with students from Politics Musashi, Kyoto Sangyo, Nagoya, Okayama, Aoyama Gakuin, Waseda on alternate years with students from Social Anthropology
Beppu is a labyrinth of backstreets that are home to old-style Japanese architecture and unexpected discoveries. APU University is currently only open to Social Anthropology with a year in Japan. Accommodation International students are guaranteed a place in AP House, APU’s on-campus hall-of-residence. Accommodation at AP House consists of single rooms equipped with a refrigerator, air conditioning, a private bathroom, bedding, Internet access and a telephone. There are also individual showers and a communal kitchen on each wing. In addition, AP House has a 24-hour computer room with Internet access, which is situated on the ground floor. Accommodation fees for AP House are ¥39,000 per month (excluding food). There is also a nonrefundable deposit of ¥32,000. There is no meal plan but you can use the communal kitchens for cooking or take your meals at one of the cafeterias on campus. Insurance Starting from 2010 academic year, the Japan National Health Insurance plan (NHI) is applicable to short-term study abroad students in Japan at APU and therefore mandatory for all students to participate. The insurance premium will be collected at the Orientation Day (¥20,000 (cash) for one year). Students who wish to join extra insurance policies are more than welcome to do so.
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www.apu.ac.jp/apuint/modules/toapu/content/10Inf ormation%20Sheet.pdf
This fee is per person for a room with double occupancy. For single occupancy, the charge is twice that of double occupancy. The fee does not include any meals. A refundable security deposit of 15,000 yen is also required for a dormitory resident. Insurance The policy on the Japan National Health Insurance differs in each city of every prefecture in Japan. APU has been negotiating with Beppy City to offer the plan to short term international students. As yet this issue has not been resolved therefore students must take out an insurance policy which covers the entire period of exchange study in their own country prior to entry into Japan. Food/Meals ¥150,000 per semester approximately (Dormitory), ¥60,000 per semester approximately (Home-stay) Academic Expenses ¥20,000 per semester approximately
Kansai Gaidai Located in Hirakata city, Osaka, Kansai Gaidai is accessible, within a one-hour train ride, to Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals, and Osaka, the second largest business hub in Japan. Kansai Gaidai has two campuses in Hirakata: the Nakamiya campus and the Hotani campus. The Centre for International Education, the centrepiece for the Asian Studies Program is located at the Nakamiya campus. Accommodation Kansai Gaidai University offers its international students three types of housing arrangements: home-stay, dormitory, and off-campus housing. Home-stay participation is strongly encouraged, for it is an excellent opportunity to acquire and enhance knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. Experience in living with a Japanese family can be the highlight of your stay in Japan. Dormitories are called International Seminar Houses and offer an international living environment. With the increasing number of nationalities, living in the dormitory will make it possible to acquire various cultural perspectives from your fellow students. Assistance in finding off-campus housing is provided primarily to those students who extend their stay into a second semester. Also, since there are no facilities available for spouses or children oncampus, those students with accompanying family members are asked to find off-campus housing. For Homestay participants: Fees include breakfast and dinner. One Semester 290,000 yen One Academic Year 580,000 yen For Dormitory residents: One Semester Seminar House I Seminar House II Seminar House III Seminar House IV One Academic Year Seminar House I Seminar House II Seminar House III Seminar House IV
170,000 170,000 200,000 170,000
yen yen yen yen
340,000 340,000 400,000 340,000
yen yen yen yen
Kyoto Sango University Kyoto Sango University is, as its name suggests, in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most ancient cities. Kyoto was home to the Imperial Palace for more than a thousand years. The city is full of historical highlights, such as temples and shrines and it remains a very traditional city. Kyoto is only a short train journey from the international city of Kobe and the shopping paradise of Osaka. Students at Kyoto Sango live in accommodation very close to the campus. At the moment this university is only available to POLIR students. Accommodation Accommodation for exchange students is fundamentally twin-share (¥16,000 per month). Single occupancy may be granted, depending on the needs of the applicant as assessed by the university and room availability. Single rooms cost around ¥33,000 per month. Accommodation for exchange students is about ten minutes’ walk from campus. It is self-catered but those requiring meals can arrange this at the boys’ dormitory next door. International House facilities The International House is a modern facility located just a few minutes walk from campus. On the ground floor there is a spacious lobby used for social events, a Japanese tatami room and PC rooms. On the second to fourth floors are rooms, internet outlet points in communal areas, a laundry room, communal kitchens and dining rooms. Each room is equipped with a unit bathroom, kitchenette, closet, bed, study desk and chair, air-conditioning, sunny balcony and ample storage space. Insurance The University prefers that all exchange students staying for two semesters join the national health insurance scheme. You can make an application to join the scheme on your arrival in Japan. However, you should take out insurance to cover any
The Year Abroad (Japan) Choosing a university
eventuality, such as loss of luggage, repatriation costs etc before you leave for Japan. For further information, see the insurance section on p9 Food/meals Depending on your dietary requirements, food should cost you approximately ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 per month. Academic expenses The cost of books will depend on your course but it should not be more than ¥20,000 for the year. Transportation You should allow approximately ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per month for this. You can purchase a bike for around ¥8,000 if you want to save money. A trip to town takes around 30 minutes. A bus journey to your closest supermarket will cost you ¥160 each way and to get the bus to town will cost ¥470 each way. Other Miscellaneous expenses Living in Kyoto will cost you ¥14,000 per month approximately. However, you should allow at least ¥80,000 per month to cover all of your living expenses while in Japan. For further details, on life at Kyoto Sango University, see www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/english/admin/handbook.pdf
Musashi University Musashi University is a private university on the outskirts of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city and the heart of the country. Accommodation at the university is provided in Asaka Plaza, a special dormitory for foreign students. This is a 45-minute tube journey from the main campus. All foreign students at Musashi are provided with ‘campus mates’, who are volunteer students who can help you settle in to life in Japan. At the moment this university is only available to POLIR students.
If you secure a year abroad at Musashi, the University will give you an arrival date, when a University representative will meet you at the Airport. If you do not arrive on that date, you should inform the University and make arrangements to arrive before the beginning of orientation. If you arrive after the orientation period, you will be expected to make your own way to the University.
Accommodation Asaka Plaza’s accommodation and meal plan will cost you approximately ¥51,000 a month. This monthly charge will be taken automatically from your Japanese bank account on the 20th of each month.
Insurance You must join Japan’s national health insurance scheme, see p9. Your policy will cost you around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 per month. Food/meals For meals outside Asaka Plaza’s meal plan, you should expect to spend ¥25,000 to ¥30,000 approximately per month. You will be sent a detailed explanation when you apply to study at Musashi. Academic expenses The cost of books will depend on your course but should not exceed ¥20,000 for the year. Transport costs You should allow between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000 per month to cover the cost of public transport. A student rail pass will cost costs ¥5,600 approximately per month to travel between your accommodation and campus. Other Miscellaneous expenses A mobile phone service will cost you between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000 per month. However, prices vary depending upon the network provider though sometimes calls between the same network provider are free. Normally you will receive promotional information in your orientation package. Field trips will cost you approximately ¥3,000 per month, depending on your course. For further details, on life at Musashi, see www3.musashi.jp/isc/about_musashi
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS) is based in Iwasaki, south of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. Nagoya is one of Japan’s most industrial cities and lies half-way between Tokyo and Osaka. It is an ever-growing city, with many shopping and cultural facilities – and will soon have the highest skyscraper in Japan. The subway journey from Nagoya station to Kamiyashiro, the University’s closest station takes around 25 minutes. Accommodation Accommodation is provided for international students at NUFS’s International House (or ‘IHouse’)and costs approximately ¥26,000 per month (with an additional non-refundable deposit of ¥10,000). Proxy Friends Nisshin (a privately-run apartment house) costs approximately ¥30,000 per month (excluding electricity charges), with a non-refundable deposit of ¥10,000. International House and Proxy Friends Nisshin are both self-catering facilities.
Insurance All students need to join Japan’s national health insurance scheme, which will cost you around ¥2,000 per month. See the insurance section on p9 for further details. Food/meals Depending on the individual, food can cost approximately ¥20,000/40,000 per month. As mentioned above, both International House and Proxy Friends Nisshin are self-catering, but you can also dine at one of the nine cafeterias on campus. Academic expenses The cost of books will depend on your course but should not come to more than ¥20,000 per semester. Other miscellaneous expenses You should allow approximately ¥3,000 per month for Internet access if you want to apply for it. If you live in apartment accommodation, you should also allow around ¥3,000 per month for utilities. For further details, on life at NUFS, see wwwe.nufs.ac.jp
Waseda University Waseda is a private, multi-campus university in Tokyo, which was established in 1882. You will study at the main Waseda campus. Accommodation Accommodation is provided for international students off-campus in dormitories in Tokyo within walking distance of the campus. Single and shared rooms are available. Accommodation in these dormitories costs between ¥40,000 and ¥70,000 a month. There are also additional charges for electricity and heating and you will also have to pay for your meals and laundry. There will be additional charges for internet use of approximately ¥2,000 per month. Insurance You are encouraged to join the national health insurance scheme in Japan. This costs around ¥1,000 a month. Food/meals You should expect to pay between ¥30,000 and ¥50,000 a month for food. You will not have to purchase a meal plan. Academic expenses You should expect to pay about ¥20,000 on academic supplies and books, depending on your course. Other miscellaneous expenses You should expect to pay around ¥2,000 for a year’s gym membership in the Student Union building, within ten minutes walk from the main campus. For further details, on life at Waseda, see www.waseda.jp/top/index-e.html
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The Year Abroad (Japan) The application process
The application process Preparing for your year abroad Stage one At this stage, it is important to remember that when you come to apply to your Japanese university, that they will look at your marks for year one when deciding whether to accept you. Thus, you must ensure that you do more than get the 40% pass for stage one. In Politics and International Relations (POLIR) you need to get around a 60% average and in Stage 2 Social Anthropology students are required to obtain at least a 2(ii) average and pass all the Stage 2 compulsory modules at the first attempt to qualify for the year in Japan. By stage two, POLIR students will take Japanese modules, LA 304 and LA305 in the School of European Culture and Languages. It is your choice whether you take these modules in stage one or two but we recommend that you do so in stage one.
Japanese classes at stage two We recommend that Stage 1 students take LA304 and LA305. See above During your time studying in Japan you will be expected to take Japanese language classes. This is a requirement to make up the correct number of study hours for your visa. These classes can, depending on the university, contribute to your final mark for your year abroad. The classes also provide an excellent opportunity to continue learning a new language, which will undoubtedly enhance your year abroad. The number of hours per week will depend on the university you attend. The majority of the universities will give you some level of assessment in order to place you in the correct class – from beginner to advanced.
Making your application Each department at Kent has its own criteria as to how they select students for the year abroad in Japan. You will generally be expected to notify your department of your choice of university in Japan. Following discussion with your department, you will be informed which university Kent will be nominating you for. At this point, you will then have to go through a formal application process with our partner university to confirm your place as an exchange student. The application process for this will vary from university to university; some will be relatively simple applications that ask for basic information, while others may be much longer bureaucratic processes. If you are in any doubt about how to complete the application forms, please contact Hazel Lander, in the International Office for further information. In all cases, students going to Japan will have to provide academic transcripts of your first year grades.
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You will also have to provide financial documents to prove that you will have enough money to support yourself during your year abroad so it is a good idea to begin collating or sourcing these documents early on. These documents will be expected to provide proof of your parent’s or guardian’s income or, if you are not getting financial support from them, proof of your savings or sufficient income to support you while you are in Japan: you currently need to prove that you have access to approximately one million yen (around £5,000). Alternatively, if you are supported by your LEA, you will need to be able to show that they will pay your full maintenance costs and fees. Please note that the reason you are requested to provide these financial documents is so that the Japanese university is satisfied that you meet all of the criteria for a student visa, which includes having access to the above specified amount of money. The Japanese university has to verify this before they can send you the Certificate of Eligibility, which is one of the documents that you will need for your visa application.
The amount of money to which you will need to prove you have access will vary from university to university, as living costs vary from city to city. The International Office will be able to update you with what these figures are at the time you make your application. Please note that when you submit documents for your financial verification, you should adhere to the following general list of dos and don’ts.
Do: • • • •
submit original documents provide recent bank statements ensure documents show cleared funds provide original signatures and letters from your sponsors, if your funds come from more than one source (for example, from you, your parents, your grandparents, a loan, a scholarship and/or an employer).
Don’t: • submit photocopies or faxes • provide statements more than three months’ old • submit portfolios showing shares (these vary in value with the stock market so cannot be counted as cash or cleared funds) • indicate predicted earnings as part of your loan documentation (working over the summer cannot be used to explain where your money will come from).
The Year Abroad (Japan) Pre-departure information
Pre-departure information Applying for a student visa
Medical issues
If you want to work, study, or live in Japan, you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, which is issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan.
The majority of our partner universities will require you to have a medical before you arrive. Some universities will arrange for you to have a medical when you arrive in Japan, for others you can arrange a medical with your GP or with our University Medical Centre (visit www.kent.ac.uk/medical for further details). Any medical you arrange must include a chest x-ray to check for tuberculosis.
To obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, you will first have to apply to your host university, who contact their local immigration office and make an application on your behalf. Your host university will begin this process once they have received your financial guarantee, which (as mentioned in the previous chapter), will need to show that you have approximately £5,000 in readily available funds. You will only be able to apply for your visa once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility from your host university. These certificates are usually sent to students from July onwards and should be treated as important legal documents – if you lose your Certificate of Eligibility, replacements can be difficult to obtain. Once the Certificate of Eligibility has been obtained, you must go to the Japanese Embassy in London (please see the Contacts section on p16 for details). Visa applicants living in the north of England (ie Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear and Cleveland) and Scotland should apply to the Consulate-General of Japan in Edinburgh (again, for contact details, please see p16). All applications must be made in person and no appointment is necessary. You will be applying for a College Student visa. When you visit the Embassy/Consulate-General, you will need to bring: • a valid passport • a visa application form, completed and signed • one passport-sized photograph (taken within the last six months) • your original Certificate of Eligibility, plus a copy of the Certificate. Please note that you need a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility for entry into Japan. The original Certificate is retained by the Embassy. You will also need to pay the visa application fee for UK nationals which costs about £5. It normally takes three working days for your application to be processed – you will then be contacted and asked to collect your passport and visa. Your student visa also allows you to work in Japan. However, you would have to apply for a separate Work Permit at the local immigration office in Japan. Please note that work is limited. For further information on applying for a college student visa, visit www.uk.embjapan.go.jp/en/visa/visa-main.html
You should wait for instruction from your Japanese university regarding when and where to take your medical.
We would also recommend the Japan Travel Centre, which is situated close to Piccadilly Circus in London (for further details, visit www.japantravel.co.uk). This is a specialist travel agent that deals only with travel to Japan and will aim to offer you the best fare possible. Your Japanese host university may also suggest a date and time that you should aim to arrive in Japan, particularly if they are arranging transportation from the airport for you. You should do your utmost to ensure that you arrive in Japan at this pre-arranged time.
Luggage and packing Pre-departure security check This is a compulsory meeting, which will take place in April or May 2010. It will give you invaluable information regarding personal security and other relevant issues. After this briefing, you will be asked to sign a form to ensure that you have attended and understood the information.
Exam results We would urge you not to book any flights until you receive your second year exam results. Although booking ahead may seem like a more economical solution, if you do not receive at least 60% in Politics or 50% in Anthropology in your stage two exams you will not be able to take up your place at your host university. (In this case you will default to being a standard three-year student.) Therefore, it is important not to book your flights until you have received your results. We also suggest that you wait until you have your Certificate of Eligibility before booking your flights.
Booking flights There are many airline carriers that operate between Japan and the UK. Prices will vary depending on the directness of the flight, the departure time and the season. It may be possible to get a cheaper flight by purchasing an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and claiming a student discount. The ISIC card can be purchased from STA Travel agents for £9 (see www.isiccard.com for further information). Some of the most well-known airlines that fly direct to Japan are: British Airways www.britishairways.com Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com KLM www.klm.com Japan Airlines www.jal.com In addition to checking flights through high-street travel agents or any of the above links, it may be useful to look at some Internet-based travel companies such as www.lastminute.com, www.expedia.com and www.octopustravel.com. These companies often compare flight prices on multiple airlines for you, so this could save you some legwork!
The amount of luggage you can take with you will be restricted according to the ticket you use to fly to Japan. Apart from the weight restriction imposed by your airline, there is also an article limit, which will restrict the number of suitcases or bags you can take with you. In most cases, for long-haul flights it is possible to check one suitcase for transportation in the hold and then take a small cabin bag onto the plane with you. It is important to remember that, with new restrictions on luggage, a laptop bag or handbag will also count as one piece of cabin luggage. Remember to check your airline’s size limitations too, which will define the dimensions allowed for your suitcases and carry-on luggage. A good general rule is to take no more than you can comfortably carry. Most students accumulate additional items while they are away so it is a good idea to leave some space in your suitcases on your outbound flights. Check the climate of the area you will be going to and note any special differences that may require specific clothing (very cold winters, for example). Take appropriate clothing for the region, or buy it there, as you may find it less expensive than buying in the UK. Excessive baggage is expensive so forward planning is essential.
Food and drink If you have any food restrictions due to health or religious reasons, it is advisable to bring some food for your first few days in Japan until you get used to your local area. From then on, you will get to know the shops or stores where you can buy all of your necessary items. It is very important to realise that, on the whole, the Japanese have very little awareness of foodrelated allergies. There is also very little awareness of vegetarianism or other restricted diets (whether undertaken for personal or religious reasons) and you will need to be aware of this before you go to Japan, so that you can plan for any eventuality.
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The Year Abroad (Japan) Arriving in Japan
Arriving in Japan Landing examination procedure Foreign nationals who apply for entry into Japan will be required to be fingerprinted and have facial photographs taken. They can then be interviewed by immigration inspectors. This procedures applies to all foreign nationals when they enter Japan, and will still apply to you if you are travelling back into Japan on a re-entry permit.
Arriving in Japan Your Japanese university may arrange to meet you at the airport and organise transport for you on particular days. If you wish to make use of this service please make an effort to arrange your flights so that you arrive in good time. Your host university will give you information about this transportation with your acceptance information. Some of the universities may expect you to arrive on a specific day so that they can meet you at the airport, so take care to stay in touch and read your emails throughout the summer before travelling out to Japan.
Orientation The University of Kent strongly recommends that you arrive in time for any orientations provided for international or exchange students at your host university. These orientations are an excellent introduction to life in Japan and provide lots of very useful information that will help you to settle in quickly to your new life. If you are unable to attend your orientation (if, for example, you are still waiting for your visa), contact the international office in your host university in advance to check whether it is possible to obtain any of the information or to attend a ‘make-up’ orientation for late arrivals.
Meeting your international student adviser Some Japanese universities will assign you a particular adviser. However, in many of the universities the international office staff will be able to help you with many matters from paying bills to managing your timetable.
Registering at your university It is likely that this will be done before you arrive in Japan. However, in some instances you will be required to sign some final paperwork on arrival.
Obtaining a student ID card In the most part, this will be arranged before you arrive at your university. Otherwise you will be able to collect it during your orientation programme. This card will which will include a photograph and your student ID number. Keep your identity card in a safe place as you are likely to be asked for it frequently.
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Alien registration scheme
Food shopping
As an international student in Japan you will need to register under the Alien Registration Scheme. This allows you to receive certain services and also provides you with a form of identification that will be used throughout your time in Japan. If you are planning to reside in Japan for a period of more than 90 days you need to register in person at the municipal office of the city, town or village in which you are living.
Modern Japanese supermarkets are organised much in the same way as their Western counterparts. They offer all kinds of goods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meat, tofu, pickled, dried and canned food, bread, dairy products, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and household articles.
You must register for the scheme within 14 days of landing in Japan. To register, you will need to submit two photographs and you will also be asked to show your passport. A Certificate of Alien Registration will be issued to you on application, and the card will be issued to you in about 20 days. You have to carry your Alien Registration card at all times. If you change your address, period of stay or your passport number you must report this to the municipal office as soon as possible.
The goods are usually beautifully presented and of excellent quality and the cashier system is well organised and efficient. The packages and portions in Japanese supermarkets are usually smaller than comparable packages sold in Europe or North America in particular; nevertheless, they are rarely cheaper. Traditional Japanese foodstuffs, on the other hand, can be relatively inexpensive. Beautiful food departments are usually located in the basement floors of most department stores. A visit to such a food department is a highly recommended experience.
The Year Abroad (Japan) Academic culture
Academic culture Academic life in Japan is different in many ways to that in the UK. For Japanese students, getting into the university in the first place is a greater pressure than graduating with a good grade. Japanese universities have a highly competitive and complicated entry exam structure, which reaches its peak in the last few months of the last year at high school. Thus, should you be in a class with a Japanese student, they may sleep or disengage from the class. During your year away, your courses will be marked and your marks will continue to count to your Kent degree. Please ignore this disengagement if you see it and participate in your classes as much as you can. Many of your classes will be put on entirely for foreign students so you can make the most of these special classes. You may find that the level of such classes is slightly lower than an Honours class would be at home. Tell yourself that you are in Japan –and that this big and exciting opportunity is more important than spending a few hours a week feeling that your classes are a little below your usual level.
Grading systems Marks are also given very differently in Japan. They are unlike our ‘first, 2:1, 2:2’ etc structure and often start with 100% as a possible, attainable mark. Also, attendance will be marked and if you do not attend, you will lose a percentage of that course’s marks. Marks above 70% are completely common and often we see marks of over 90%. Consequently – so that we can correlate these marks with your Kent degree – we reduce your Japanese marks, depending on your university and course. Nonetheless, the marks for the year in Japan to date have always been good and on the whole improve your overall degree
Plagiarism
Libraries
Just as in the UK, academic honesty is taken very seriously in Japan. The use of another person’s views, words, graphics or ideas, when not attributed to their original source, is classified as plagiarism. The consequences of being found guilty of plagiarism will vary from department to department or university to university, but will usually result in a student being given a formal warning and failing a class. Some universities also use software detection tools to scan an essay for plagiarism and repeated plagiarism may result in your academic programme being terminated. If you are in doubt about how to cite references, check with your professors in advance to avoid any problems.
When you register at your host university, you should be given full access to the resources available at your university library. Libraries will be very well stocked with many books available digitally too, so you should find that most of the books you need will be available at your university library.
Books All universities will have on campus book and stationery shops.
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The Year Abroad (Japan) Money matters
Money matters The currency in Japan is the Yen (¥). The current exchange rate (as of December 2009is £1 to ¥144. Paper currency comes in ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes, while coins come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500 denominations. Budgeting You will no doubt be very excited by the prospect of spending a year in Japan – there are so many things to do and see! However, even with all this excitement, it is important to remember that one of the keys to a stress-free experience abroad is to know your budget and to keep to it. Make a list of all of the money you will have coming in (student loans, money from parents for example) and what you expect to pay in outgoings.
Finances, traveller’s cheques, and opening bank accounts Just as in the UK, it is advisable not to carry large amounts of cash with you. When planning your arrival in the Japan, it may be a good idea to take some money for the settling-in period and until you open your Japanese bank account. Traveller’s cheques remain the safest and most practical way to carry money while you are travelling. Traveller’s cheques denominated in Japanese yen, US dollars or pounds sterling are easily cashed at certain banks and major hotels. When ordering your traveller’s cheques, be careful to ensure that your UK bank is aware that you are a student, as some banks will waive charges for students. Be sure to have your passport with you when exchanging traveller’s cheques. You will have to open an account in Japan for the duration of your stay in order to pay for rent etc and you should not rely solely on UK credit cards and traveller’s cheques. As soon as you know which university you will be going to, check their website to find out which banks are on, or close to campus or where you will be living. Your host university will assist you in this process. Let your UK bank know where you are going. They can suggest the best ways of getting to your loan or support monies while you are away and advise on the possible use of your UK bank card in cash machines in Japan. You should check with your own bank about any charges you might incur when using your debit/credit card in Japan or transferring money. As the use of debit cards can result in charges, most students transfer money from the UK to their Japanese bank accounts. Bank-to-bank transfers are the quickest and safest method of getting money to you. Remember to allow plenty of time to arrange the transfer. (Costs vary – plan only to do, say, once a term.) It may be useful to arrange with your UK bank to leave a pre-printed paying-in book with your parents or guardians so they can pay in grant cheques or holiday pay cheques etc while you are away. Recent changes to the UK clearing system may make it more difficult for them to pay in any money to your account without a paying-in book. 8
Bank cards Having a credit card when you are abroad can come in very handy. Credit cards issued in the UK are widely accepted in Japan. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted and some banks offer a combined card account that gives the benefit of two separate cards but just one pre-set limit to use as you wish between the cards, with one combined monthly statement. If you don’t already have a card, shop around for the best deal as cards can be subject to annual charges and interest rates can vary as well. If you do wish to obtain a credit card, it is advisable to apply well in advance, as credit card companies become very busy over the summer months. Several students have recommended opening a Nationwide account because they have not been charged for withdrawing money abroad.
Internet banking To make it easier for you to keep track of your UK bank accounts while you are in Japan, it is a good idea to set up Internet banking before you leave the UK. This might also be a good idea if you are using a UK-based credit card while you are in Japan and want to pay off your monthly credit card bill from an existing UK current account. Setting up Internet banking is a quick and easy process. If you are in any doubt about how to do this, check your bank’s website or talk to your local branch for further information.
Living costs Your host university should provide you with information about approximate living costs so that you are able to adequately budget for your year abroad. Don’t forget that part of your visa application entails providing documentary evidence that you have adequate funds to support yourself while you are in Japan. While the living costs will vary from university to university (please check with the International Office if you are unsure what the costs are for your university), the average amount currently required for a year in Japan is £5,000.
Tuition fees at the University of Kent During your year abroad, you will not be charged tuition fees by your host university or college, as per the terms of our agreement with our partner institutions. You will however be required to pay tuition fees to the University of Kent while you are on your year abroad. The tuition fee rate for 2010/11 will be £1,645.
Student Loan Companies Most international universities/colleges commence their academic session in late August or early September, and accounts for accommodation, etc, are required to be paid at the time of registration. Thus, the co-operation of Student Finance England (SFE)/your Local Authority (LA) is essential if the first instalment of your student loan is to be paid before you leave for the Japan. You should call SFE/your LA Office during the Easter vacation. SFE/most LA’s will co-operate, but require the early completion and return to them of their financial assessment forms.
Remember to tell your LA/SFE that if you will have semesters rather than terms and ensure that they have the correct dates for your academic year at your host university. The Student Loans Company (SLC) will arrange to pay the first instalment of your loan via BACS about 25 days before the day on which the course starts. Note that the SLC will also pay subsequent instalments of your loan by BACS. You should contact them to ascertain when these instalments will become payable and to resolve any problems that the timing of those payments might cause for you. The Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) have told us that the maximum loan available to students studying a year abroad in the academic year 2010/11 will be £5,895. If you have a student loan we will be happy to write to Student Finance England/your Local Authority (LA) to let them know that you will be studying abroad next year. To do this we will need your ART ID/Customer Reference Number and your Local Authority/SFE.
Scholarships The number of available scholarships changes each year so the following information is a summary of what has happened to date. Do not assume that this will be the same every year. Our Japanese partner universities often do not inform us when they make changes to their scholarship programmes. Occasionally there are scholarships available from our exchange partners. However, each year this seems to change and we will inform you if any scholarships become available.
Access to Learning Fund The Government provides funds to universities to enable them to assist home undergraduate students who are in financial difficulty – these are known as the Access to Learning Funds. Undergraduate students who have taken out their full means-tested entitlement of their maintenance loan and have received the first instalment but find themselves in financial difficulty can apply to the Access to Learning Fund for a grant. Students can apply for a full year assessment (paid termly) and/or a non-standard award for exceptional costs and emergency situations. Guidance Notes and Information explaining the application procedures at Kent and the criteria used in considering applications can be obtained from the Finance Office's website http://www.kent.ac.uk/finance-student/index.html Application Forms for each new academic year should be available from the beginning of September. Start the application process by speaking to one of our Student Advisers at: Kent Union Mandela Building advice@kent.ac.uk 01227 824824
The Year Abroad (Japan) Sport and healthcare
Sport and healthcare Your physical and mental well-being is of the utmost importance, as well as being a basic prerequisite of a successful and happy period abroad. We advise students to be aware however, that existing physical or psychological illnesses can become serious under the stresses of life while studying abroad, so it is important to carefully evaluate your health before going abroad and to consult a mental health professional, if necessary. This does not mean that students with any physical or mental conditions cannot or should not study abroad, but it does mean that it is important to plan ahead to ensure that adequate support is in place should you need it.
Medical insurance This cover will usually be reimbursed by your LEA (Local Education Authority) on production of a receipt for the premium (check with your LEA in advance if this is the case). It is advisable to take out medical insurance in the UK before you leave.
National health insurance in Japan A national medical insurance system operates within Japan. As a student residing in Japan for a year you will be eligible to join for a small fee on average around ¥3,000 – and Kent heavily recommends that you do so, even if your Japanese university does not mind whether you do or not. Joining the scheme means that it is much easier for you to visit a doctor, as they understand how to charge you. Moreover, if you join this system you will only have to pay 30% of your medical costs. It does not cover accidents or loss. It is highly recommended then that you take out your own health insurance and travel insurance before you arrive in Japan.
Sports facilities on campus Although the Japanese campuses are often compact they all provide sports facilities, most of which are on campus. Please see the individual university websites for more information.
Health regulations and vaccinations Most towns have large hospitals, which generally have excellent facilities. However, in Japan it is also common for doctors to set up small clinics on their own, for example an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist may run a small clinic near you.
The University of Kent’s insurance policy All year abroad students will be covered by the University of Kent’s insurance policy. You need to complete the online travel notification form (which you can access via the weblink below) before leaving the UK. You will be covered for a holiday period of no more than one week in addition to your course-related activities. If you plan to travel more extensively you will need to take out your own insurance policy. For further details, please see: www.kent.ac.uk/financestaff/services/insurance/studentfieldwork
University facilities Your host university should have some form of medical provision on campus in case you urgently need to see a doctor. You will be informed of all of the relevant facilities during your host university’s orientation programme. If you are in any doubt about what is available on-campus (including what is available in emergencies), please contact the International Office at your host university.
Dental care You will need to check whether dental cover is included in your policy. You are advised to have a full check-up in the UK before you leave, so that any necessary treatment is obtained under the NHS prior to departure – this could save you money and worry at a later date!
Medication Insurance It is important to have adequate insurance coverage during your year abroad. While obtaining baggage and personal insurance may seem obvious for anyone undertaking a long-haul journey, you should also obtain medical/health insurance, as there is no widespread equivalent of the National Health Service in Japan.
Baggage and personal insurance This cover is not refundable by your LEA and you should make separate arrangements for this, which should be paid for from your student loan or personal funds if applicable. It is a good idea to think about the valuables you will be taking with you (laptop, camera, mobile phone for example) and also consider how much travel you will be doing in Japan while you are there.
If you are on any medication (including the contraceptive pill), you should consult your doctor in plenty of time before you leave for Japan. This is a good opportunity for you to discuss your healthcare with your GP before leaving the UK, and you should also use that opportunity to check whether you can take an academic year’s supply of any medication that you will need with you when you leave for Japan. Often medication is more difficult to locate in Japan and this will save you worry at a later date.
Declaration of illnesses, disabilities or allergies It is advisable for you to declare any illnesses, disabilities or allergies you have before you arrive at your host university so that reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate you. ‘Illness’ in this context may also include psychological illnesses such as mental health issues and ‘disabilities’ may include conditions such as dyslexia. Please be assured that your personal information will be treated in the strictest confidence and shared only with staff that need to be aware of such information. It is in your own interest to make your university aware of this information so that they have this information on file for emergencies or to provide you with all the support you need. If you would like to clarify anything about this, please contact the International Office at Kent in the first instance. This is particularly important as additional arrangements may have be made, as provision for disabilities may not be as developed as in Kent. Declaring any illnesses you have early on will allow us to plan in advance.
Counselling and mental illness While your year abroad should be a time of excitement and personal fulfilment, it can also be a time of stress, when some students may struggle to cope with some of the cultural differences between the UK and Japan. For this reason, existing mental illnesses, including those that seem to be under control in the UK, can become exacerbated during the period of study abroad, so it is important to anticipate any problems in order to try to prevent them from occurring or to minimise their impact on your daily life. As noted above, it is advisable to declare such conditions to your host university so that they are aware of any further help you might need. In addition to making this declaration, it is also a good idea to see your doctor or counsellor before you leave the UK to plan how you might cope with your year in Japan. The University of Kent (including the International Office and your home department) is also available for assistance, so feel free to contact us (see the Contacts section on p16) if you require assistance or if you feel that you need to talk to someone from the UK. It is important to remember that you are going to be travelling abroad for a year and the services and support that you are used to may not be as widely available as at home. It is important to consider how you will cope with existing illnesses before you go.
If you take a regular medication, you must check whether you will be able to get your medicines in Japan or whether you need to take a year’s supply to Japan.
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The Year Abroad (Japan) Life in Japan
Life in Japan National holidays There are several national (bank) holidays in Japan. Some are the same as in the UK but some are different. Be prepared for the holidays – and enjoy them! The most general are:
2010 January 1 (Fri) January 2 (Sat)-3 (Sun) January 11 (Mon) February 11 (Thurs) March 21 (Sun) March 22 (Mon) April 29 (Thurs) May 3 (Mon) May 4 (Tues) May 5 (Wed) July 19 (Mon) September 20 (Mon) September 23 (Thurs) October 11 (Mon) November 3 (Wed) November 23 (Tues) December 23 (Thurs) December 31 (Fri)
New Year's Day Bank Holidays Coming-of-Age Day National Foundation Day Vernal Equinox Day Vernal Equinox Day Observed Showa Day Constitution Day Greenery Day Children's Day Marine Day Respect-for-the-Aged Day Autumnal Equinox Day Health-Sports Day Culture Day Labor Thanksgiving Day The Emperor's Birthday Bank Holiday
Check your university’s schedule for specific details – especially for when your university/college is closed and teaching is suspended. Some universities may be open on certain national holidays and closed on some nonnational holidays.
Time zones Japan is nine hours ahead of the United Kingdom in UK wintertime and eight hours ahead during the summer.
Telephones and making calls It is fairly easy to purchase a contract mobile phone in Japan and this is the easiest way to communicate with other students within Japan. It is very unlikely that your current mobile will work in Japan as it needs to be a 3G handset. Using your own phone in Japan would also be scarily expensive. Pay phones should be available on campus and locally. If you will be using public phones, it may be advisable to purchase calling cards for international calls to reduce your costs. The majority of pay phones in Japan take calling cards – the latter can be purchased in almost all convenience stores, train station shops and are often sold in vending machines inside or near the telephone itself. Direct dial international telephone calls can be made from any public phone displaying the international and domestic card/coin telephone symbol. These phones are usually metallic grey or green in colour. At credit phones (which are usually blue in colour) you can charge any international phone calls you want to make to your credit card. There are three companies in Japan that provide international communications services and each 10
one has its own international access number KDDI (‘001’), ISD (‘0041’), IDC (‘0061’).
includes cannabis. If you are offered drugs, refuse them.
Placing an international call
In Japan, people under the age of 20 are not allowed to drink or smoke. Smoking is not allowed in many places, including stations, public facilities and within university campuses, and many city centres do not allow smoking whilst walking on pavements. Driving a car, riding a motorcycle or bicycle after drinking any amount of alcohol are serious offences in Japan. Those who accept a ride in a car that is driven by a drunk driver or those who offer alcohol to a driver are all subject to punishment under Japanese law.
Listen for a dial tone and then dial the international access code ‘00’. Next dial the country code (‘44’ in the case of the UK), then the city code and the local number omitting the first ‘0’. If you wanted to call the International Office at the University of Kent for example, you would dial ‘00 1227 827994’. Your university accommodation may also have a landline that you can use to make and receive calls. There are also a number of online services that allow you to make international calls. For example, Skype (www.skype.com) will allow you to make free skype-to-skype calls over the Internet and discounted calls internationally. There is also Gtalk (www.google.com/talk), which also allows you to make pc-to-pc calls for free.
Voltage and electrical appliances The voltage in Japan is 100 volts AC. Check any appliances that you might want to take (for example, travelling irons, hairdryers or straighteners) to see if they have an alternative voltage – sometimes these appliances have an internal switch so that they can be used in other countries. All plugs in Japan are two-pronged so an international plug or adaptor might be of use – ask at electrical shops before you go.
If you find yourself in trouble with the police, or with any other kind of legal problem, contact the international office at your host university in the first instance – they will often be best placed to initially advise you and they can also contact your family and/or the University of Kent if you request it. You might also need to inform the British Consulate (see the Contacts section on p16), who can also advise you on your legal rights. It should go without saying, but try to avoid getting into any trouble with the police if you can. Your host university’s international office should be able to provide you with information about laws that are particularly stringent within Japan. It is also worth familiarising yourself with laws relating to legal drinking ages, driving laws and the age of consent so that you can be sensitive to, and comply with, local laws.
Legal matters While you are in Japan, you are subject to the laws of that country. Some laws in Japan may be quite different from laws in the UK. In Japan, the possession and sale of all narcotics and any illegal substances are strictly prohibited. This
To call the police, dial ‘110’. If there is a koban (a local base where members of the police force are stationed) or police box nearby, you can go there to report the incident in person.
The Year Abroad (Japan) Travel in Japan
Travel in Japan There are lots of places to visit within Japan so the biggest difficulty for you will be short-listing which ones to visit during your time there! The Japan National Tourist Organisation website is an excellent place to start (www.jnto.go.jp). It not only includes general information about tourist attractions but also handy tips about travelling within Japan.
Re-entry permits If you intend to leave Japan to visit another country you will need to apply for a re-entry permit. This can be obtained from your local immigration bureau in Japan on production of the Certificate from the University confirming your student status and passport. British passport holders will be able to obtain a multiple re-entry permit. This is useful if you know you’ll be leaving Japan more than once in the year as this permit is valid for one year from the date of issue or until the expiration of your stay in Japan, whichever comes first. If you’re applying for a re-entry permit, you will need to take the following with you to the immigration office: • your passport • your Alien Registration card • an Application for Re-entry Permit form (which you can get at the local immigration office). The fee for a single use re-entry permit is ¥3,000 (approximately £13) while a multiple re-entry permit costs ¥6,000 (around £26). In some cases you might be asked to show proof that your journey will take place (ie a ticket, flight schedule, etc).
Public transport Japan is renowned for its efficient public transport network especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Accommodation at your host university will be often located on campus but some halls of residence can be further away and require a subway journey. The cheapest way of buying tickets is to buy multijourney tickets at the same time (kaisuken). Trains are the best way to travel long distances in Japan but domestic flights may also be suitable. www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html
Driving in Japan The University of Kent discourage students from driving in Japan, as you will face difficulties with both car parking and insurance. It is not possible to buy a car in Japan without a registered car-parking permit and no universities provide car parking for students. Furthermore, insurance is very expensive for people who have no credit history in Japan.
Hotels and lodgings
Earthquakes
Japan offers a wide range of accommodation due to the fact that lodgings come in both Japanese and Western style. Whether you stay in hotels or motels will usually depend upon your financial circumstances, although large chains usually offer special deals and your host university may be able to provide you with further information about any local special offers.
Japan is in a major earthquake zone, and earthquakes of varying sizes occur very frequently.
Hotels are generally based in city centres and provide a more extensive range of amenities such as restaurants and leisure facilities (for example, the Ramada or Sheraton chains). It may be possible to accommodate more than two people in a room for a relatively small increase in price so enquire about this possibility if you are budget conscious and are travelling in a group. As well as western hotel chains, there are more some more traditional options. Ryokan are traditional inns with Japanese-style rooms and meals. These cost between ¥6,000 and ¥30,000 per night. Another option are minshuku, Japanese-style bed and breakfast lodgings that are usually family-run and cost between ¥4,000 and ¥10,000 per night.
You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake, and take note of earthquake-related instructions e.g. in hotel rooms. To enable the Embassy or Consulate-General to help British visitors and respond to enquiries from relatives after an earthquake, we recommend that you register with the British consular services in Tokyo and Osaka www.locate.fco.gov.uk/locateportal/ Japan also has several active volcanoes. You should heed advice given by the Japanese authorities about travelling in volcanic areas.
Typhoons Travellers to Japan (particularly southern regions) should be aware that typhoon season runs from June to October. We recommend paying particular attention to local travel information and consult Japan Meteorological Agency www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html, which has information in English. We further recommend checking with carriers if you are planning to travel inside Japan.
Youth hostels There are over 300 youth hostels across Japan that provide budget lodging. Japan Youth Hostels is a member of the Hostelling International (www.hihostels.com). Hostels cost between ¥2,500 and ¥4,000 per person.
Please also see tropical cyclones www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/stayingsafe/tropical-cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.
Dormitories are another cheap accommodation option. They are usually housed in older buildings in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, although many of these facilities are only available to women. A night’s stay usually costs between ¥1,500 and ¥3,000 per person. 11
The Year Abroad (Japan) Life back home
Life back home While we know that you will be very busy during your year abroad, it is very important to keep in touch with the University of Kent while you are away. Please email Hazel Lander (Welfare and Exchanges Officer) at h.lander@kent.ac.uk as soon as you arrive in Japan, to provide her with your new phone number, address and contact information. Your contact details It is very important that we have your contact details for the summer vacation and the Year Abroad, as we send out emails and forms throughout the year. You will also be sent very important information from other offices about final year accommodation, modules and other matters by email or post.
Communication The International Office will contact you in the first instance by email (at your Kent account), and it is important that you let us know if it is difficult for you to access a PC or the Internet at least once a week. If you want us to contact you additionally at another email address, include this address on your Year Abroad address form. There are two approaches to accessing your Kent email: • Use the University’s webmail service, which allows you to access your Kent email address from abroad • Have your email forwarded to another email address. This can only be done on a PC at Kent: contact the Student helpdesk if you need assistance. Important note: Keep the number of emails stored in your Kent account to a minimum, because going over quota may prevent you from sending, receiving or deleting emails. Delete unwanted emails and check that you have none stored in your deleted items folder.
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If you do have problems with your Kent email address, contact the Student helpdesk for assistance: Student helpdesk T: +44 (0)1227 824999 E: helpdesk@kent.ac.uk Or complete the online form at www.kent.ac.uk/itservices/forms/query/query.html
Internet services You may find that access to PCs and/or the Internet is widely available at your university in Japan.
Registering to vote as an overseas student If you wish to exercise your right to vote while you are overseas, you should contact your local council before you leave the UK to request a postal ballot for any upcoming elections or referenda. This is a simple and straight-forward process that should not take long to organise. You are advised to do this prior to departure though as there may be voting registration deadlines that come up while you are abroad so it is easier to do it in the summer before you leave the UK.
The Year Abroad (Japan) Preparing to return home
Preparing to return home Just as you have to undertake preparations for your outbound journey, there is also some planning that you need to undertake as you prepare to return home. You may receive additional letters and memos concerning your year in Japan so please check your Kent email address frequently, as some of our correspondence with you will be to remind you about various upcoming important deadlines. Clearing debts Before you leave your host university, please ensure that you have cleared all outstanding debts. Even if you don’t think you owe any outstanding money to your university, complete a quick check before you leave in case you have incurred any debts of which you might not be aware. The most obvious items to check would be your library (any borrowing fines for example) and your accommodation (any outstanding rent or accommodation services). If your host university believes that you owe any funds to them, they will not release your transcript to us until your account has been settled and there is nothing that we can do to intervene on this as it is would be a private matter between you and your host university. Completing the quick check should also give you peace of mind that your transcript will be sent to us in a timely manner.
Registering for classes at the University of Kent It is vital that you frequently check your Kent email address while you are on your year abroad as we will be sending you important information throughout the year. One such example is that you will be required to select your modules for 2011/12 just after Christmas (which is the same deadline as for students back in the UK) and students who fail to meet this deadline will inevitably have much less choice in the availability of modules.
Accommodation at the University of Kent The University can offer rooms in private sector shared housing off-campus. The University has head-leased a number of good quality properties from a reputable local landlord. All of these properties are within easy reach of the campus and the accommodation costs will include all utilities and broadband internet access. The available houses have three, four, five or six bedrooms and are located on the north side of Canterbury near the university. We regret it is not possible to arrange viewings of individual properties in advance of your arrival or to choose the location of your property.
The cost of the accommodation is exactly the same as the Landlord/Agent is offering to other students. No extra fees are being added by the Accommodation office or University for arranging this accommodation. Council Tax exemption will be arranged by the University and the landlord. When you apply you will have the opportunity to advise us of any preferences and friends with whom you may wish to share. At the end of the application process, an advance payment of £300 will be required by 31 March 2011 to secure the accommodation. Please note that all returning students are required to make an advance payment to secure a room (not just year abroad students). You may apply at the link below. http://kenthospitality.kent.ac.uk/myaccommodation Applications from students with outstanding debt at the University may be cancelled and any advance payment made may be retained and used towards settlement of any outstanding student account balance.
The Accommodation will be available for you to move in to and occupy from 1 September 2011 until 30 June 2012. The cost of this accommodation for the current year is equivalent to just under £92 per week which includes the cost of all utilities and broadband internet. We expect there will be a small increase for the coming academic year. There is no obligation to take up this offer. If you would prefer to find your own off-campus accommodation, you are welcome to do so. The off-campus housing pages give a lot of useful information at www.kent.ac.uk/hospitality/staffstudent/accommodation/offcampus/index.htm this includes the new interactive housing list.
When you return to the UK In the School of Politics and International Relations and in the Anthropology department, your Japanese marks will be amended to take account for the grade inflation that occurs in Japan. You should continue to work hard in your fourth year and make sure you get a good degree!
Room allocations will be made in July/August 2011. At this time an email will be sent to your university email address. You will then be able to view and accept the offer of accommodation online. Although we cannot guarantee to offer specific rooms, we will try to meet preferences wherever possible, including requests to share with friends if you have supplied their full name and student ID number on your application and they have also been offered a room.
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The Year Abroad (Japan) Other resources
Other resources Travel guides There are many useful guides to Japan. Some good standard works include: Japan (a Lonely Planet country guide) The Rough Guide to Japan Let’s Go Japan Fodor’s Japa Michelin publish some individual guides to particular areas (for example, Tokyo). Once you are in Japan you can obtain information from city tourist offices or the international office at your host university.
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The Year Abroad (Japan) OFAQs
FAQs How do I apply for a student loan? If you wish to apply for a student loan for the first time, it is best to apply before the end of June for the next academic year. In the first instance, you must apply to your LEA who will assess your eligibility. Applications must be made within nine months of the first day of your course for funding in that academic year. Can I get an emergency short-term loan? There are often emergency loans available for students who have been assessed by their LEA as eligible for a student loan, but whose first instalment has been delayed. The procedure notes and application form can be obtained from the Finance Office’s website (see www.kent.ac.uk/financial-aid). Students should send completed application forms and supporting documentation from their LEA, directly to the Student Loans & Access Hardship Office (loansoffice@kent.ac.uk). What tuition fees will I need to pay? Under the exchange agreement you are not liable for tuition fees at your Japanese university, as we have arrangements with all our Japanese exchange partners that they should not present fee accounts to Kent students on exchange in the Japan. Kent will collect your tuition fees from your LEA (unless you are self-financed, in which case you will be invoiced direct). Tuition fees for the year abroad are usually around 50% of the normal home tuition fee (for further details please contact our Finance Office). For 2010/11, the cost will be £1,645 What should I bring with me? You may want to bring pictures of your country or family to introduce yourself, your country and culture. Spices for national dishes, medicine, and survival food for the first day or so are also useful. Make sure that you bring an alarm clock just in case you need it. Do you have any advice about travelling within Japan? You should take some basic precautions. All cities will have areas that as a tourist you should avoid, and there will be areas that can be dangerous at night if you simply wander into them. Ask Japanese friends about the areas you intend to visit, buy a map and get a sense of the city before you arrive. If you intend to arrive by bus, find out where the bus station is and check possible times of arrival. Japanese buses often stop much earlier in the evening than we are used to, so ensure that you can get home the same way you went out! If you have contacts in a city, this is all the better. Don’t carry too much cash around, and keep an eye on your documents. These are precautions you would take in any strange city. Be, as it were, ‘streetwise’ and look as if you know what you are doing.
On arrival, will there be many expenses? This will vary, depending on your university/college and the area in which you will stay. However, you should be prepared for some initial expenses, and, therefore, as already mentioned you would be advised to take enough money to cover general living expenses plus a number of possible charges at the point of registration. Please refer to the document already circulated to you listing likely costs for each exchange university. Before registration, or moving into any campus accommodation, there might be intermediate accommodation and food expenses. You might also wish to buy the books for your course. Remember, however, the secondhand market and the book return policy.
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The Year Abroad (Japan) Contact information
Contact information University of Kent Hazel Lander International Office Co-ordinator Welfare and Exchanges Officer International Office The Registry The University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 827994 F: +44 (0)1227 823247 E: h.lander@kent.ac.uk Emma Marku International Support Officer International Office The Registry University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 824088 F: +44 (0)1227 823247 E: e.l.marku@kent.ac.uk Dr Sarah Hyde School of Politics and International Relations Rutherford College University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NX T: +44 (0)1227 827233 F: +44 (0)1227 827033 E: s.j.hyde@kent.ac.uk Jan Horn School of Anthropology and Conservation Marlowe Building University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NR T: +44 (0)1227 823942 F: +44 (0)1227 827289 E: j.c.horn@kent.ac.uk
Embassies Embassy of Japan in the UK 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT T: +44 (0)20 7465 6500 F +44 (0)20 7491 9328
Consulate-General of Japan 2 Melville Crescent Edinburgh EH3 7HW T: +44 (0)131 225 4777 F: +44 (0)131 225 4828
British Embassy in Japan 1 Ichiban-cho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-8381 Japan T: +81 (3) 5211 1100 F: +81 (3) 5275 3164
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Student testimonials
James McMurray
Man Gi Ho
James was one of the first Anthropology students to spend a year in Japan studying at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). Here are some of James’ early impressions of his time abroad:
was another of the first Anthropology students to spend a year in Japan studying at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). The photograph above is of Gigi and a friend in traditional Yukata outfits at Beppu Matsuri, the Beppu fireworks festival.
“I’m living on a mountain in Japan, learning to play Igo, taking the Tea Ceremony twice a week and training in martial arts every day. This is not an experience I ever expected to have, and it isn’t one I that I think I can ever duplicate. I've made friends with people from all over the world in these first few weeks. An open mind is an essential asset here, but I would recommend this exchange to anyone.”
Finally… We hope you will have a pleasant journey and an enjoyable time in Japan. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any problems. We wish you the best of luck with your year abroad. See you next year! The International Office University of Kent
www.kent.ac.uk
DPC 109186 2/10 PUB128
University of Kent The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T +44 (0)1227 827994 E International-office@kent.ac.uk