Preparation

Your experience in Japan

 “Things aren’t right or wrong, they’re just different.”

Nobody knows exactly what kind of experience you will have because there is no typical experience. Come with an open mind, one that is ready to see and experience many new things, but also one that is ready for some hard times. Almost every participant has some hard times, but these are the times you learn the most about Japan, the Japanese and yourself. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Every participant does and it is these mistakes that allow you to learn more than you ever thought possible. Always try your best to understand the Japanese culture and be aware that it is very different from your own. Be patient; remember that your host family is also experiencing many changes and is probably feeling the same way as you. Comparing Japan and its culture with your own culture is not a good idea because neither is better than the other, they are just different.

Introducing AFS Japan, a volunteer organization

AFS JAPAN was founded in 1955, the year after the first group of eight AFS Japanese high school students spent a year in the United States of America in 1954. More than 65 years later, about 2,000 volunteers in about 70 chapters across the country work throughout the year to help AFS students have the most enriching intercultural experience possible.

Getting ready to come to Japan

There are many things you should get ready before you depart for Japan. Here are the things you would be advised to consider.

1) Clothes and shoes

Smart casual attire is recommended throughout your stay. Bring warm casual clothes for your homestay. Many people wear warm clothes {sweaters, jerseys, socks, etc.} even inside the house. If your foot size is bigger than 28cm (male) or 25cm (female), it is very hard to buy your shoes in Japan.

2) Money & how to bring it to Japan

Bringing your money to Japan: Credit Cards & Cash Cards.

Many previous participants come with international cash cards with cashing services or a debit card. If you bring cash, make sure that it is in Japanese yen or American dollars.  Please read the following guide.

Credit Cards with the “Plus” or “Cirrus” mark 

Such as VISA, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club credit cards can be used to withdraw cash from Post Office ATMs and major convenience store ATMs which are conveniently located throughout Japan. For shopping, however, please keep in mind that Dinners Club and American Express are only accepted at a limited number of shops.

Some credit cards and cash cards issued overseas are not able to use in Japan.

Before you come to Japan contact your credit card or cash-card company and check the locations of the ATMs you will be able to use in Japan.

3) Learn about your own community & country

Bring photographs, books, music, recipes, etc. to introduce your country, since you may be asked to talk about your country while you are here. This is a great way for you and your home visit family, people in the community to get to know each other.

4) Japanese Dictionary

You will need a dictionary to help you learn Japanese, and the best idea is to try and find one first in your own country, to help you get a head start on studying the language. The dictionary will be helpful also for your smooth communication with your home visit family.

5) Medical Information

Participants are responsible for dental and eye care, vaccinations and immunizations, and the treatment of illnesses or injuries you had sought or received treatment for, during the 18 month period before coming to Japan. If such care is needed, the participant will have to be responsible for the necessary money.

Bringing medicine to Japan from your home country.

Sometimes it is illegal to bring into Japan “over-the-counter” medicine or prescription medication (medicine you can only get with a prescription from a doctor) commonly used in other countries, even if you bring a customs declaration and a copy of the prescription. These illegal items include some inhalers, some allergy and sinus medications and some anti-depressants. Participants who want to bring these types of medicine should contact the Japanese Embassy in their home country or the Compliance and Narcotics Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan http://www.mhlw.go.jp before departure, to confirm whether the particular medication can be brought into Japan. If the medication cannot be brought into Japan, bring a prescription in English and a Japanese doctor should be able to prescribe a similar, but not identical, medicine.

Also there is information available at the following web site.

CDC National Center for Infectious Disease, Travelers’ Health

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

Glasses & Contact Lenses- bring a spare pair

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bringing a spare pair is a good idea. The insurance that AFS provides does not cover expenses for glasses or contact lenses.

Baggage Rules

All participants will use domestic flights in Japan, so please follow the following rules.

• Check-in baggage: Up to 20kg / Total outside dimension (length + width + height): within 50cm x 60cm x 120cm

• Carry-on baggage: Up to 10kg / Total outside dimensions: within 115cm (W: within 55cm × H: within 40cm × D: within 25cm)

• It is your responsibility to carry all your belongings by yourself.

• It is also your responsibility to pay any extra costs (ex. excessive charges - JPY100/kg for domestic flights), however, we strongly ask you not to exceed the limit to avoid any troubles at check-in counters.

Checklist for your travel

For Japanese Communication and Cultural Exchange Groups

Please refer to the detailed information in advance for the visit on Dec 19:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GsYEQxUhPgq6062LT8prkaOSwp52gRbs/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103797666693935536133&rtpof=true&sd=true

For Science and Technology Exchange Group