UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Study Abroad
Program Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety in Japan ...... 11 Emergency Contacts ...... 12 Academics ...... 5 911 Equivalent in Japan ...... 12 Pre-departure Planning ...... 5 Marijuana and other Illegal Drugs ...... 12 Credits and Course Load ...... 5 Required Documents ...... 12 Registration at NUFS ...... 5 Visa ...... 12 Japanese Language Class ...... 5 Visas for Travel to Other Countries ...... 13 Japan Studies Classes ...... 6 Packing Tips ...... 13 Seminars in Traditional Japanese Arts ...... 6 Weather/Clothing ...... 13 Dropping/Adding Courses ...... 6 Packing ...... 13 Grades ...... 6 Gifts ...... 14 Transcripts ...... 6 Converters & Adapters ...... 14 Japanese Academic System ...... 6 Do Not Bring ...... 14 Fall Semester Early Out Option ...... 7 Getting To Japan ...... 14 Service Learning ...... 7 Travel Arrangements ...... 14 Money Matters ...... 7 Early Arrivals ...... 15 Cost Estimate ...... 7 Airport Pick-Up Service ...... 15 USAC Payments & Refund Policy ...... 7 Late Arrivals-Expected and Unexpected ..... 15 Housing Costs ...... 7 Leaving Your Host City ...... 15 Currency Exchange ...... 7 Airport Departure Tax ...... 15 Cost of Living ...... 7 Settling In ...... 15 Scholarships ...... 8 Orientation ...... 15 Money on Arrival ...... 8 On-Site Support ...... 15 Credit Cards and ATMs ...... 8 Local Transportation ...... 15 Traveler’s Checks ...... 9 Getting Involved ...... 15 Opening a Bank Account ...... 9 Housing...... 16 Health & Safety ...... 9 Dormitory – Ampelos ...... 16 Centers for Disease Control ...... 9 Homestay ...... 16 Insect Bites ...... 9 Living with a Family ...... 17 Medical/Mental Health Availability in Japan .. 9 Changing Families ...... 17 Restrictions on Medications in Japan ...... 10 Financial Arrangements ...... 17 CISI Insurance in Japan ...... 10 The Home Stay Bathroom ...... 17 Services for Students with Disabilities ...... 10
What's Provided? ...... 18 Tourist Information ...... 20 Meals & Snacks ...... 18 Train Travel ...... 20 Internet Access ...... 18 Buses ...... 21 Housing Costs ...... 18 Air Travel ...... 21 Communication ...... 19 Culture ...... 21 Time Difference ...... 19 Religion ...... 21 Email/Internet Access ...... 19 Cultural Concepts ...... 21 Cell Phone Information ...... 19 Customs and Etiquette ...... 22 Calling from the U.S...... 19 Contact Information ...... 23 Courteous Communication ...... 19 Web Information: Japan ...... 24 Snail Mail ...... 19 City ...... 24 Japanese Language ...... 19 Culture ...... 24 Travel While Abroad ...... 20 Country ...... 24
Congratulations on being accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire study abroad program with Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies, through USAC. Living and studying in a new culture is both an exciting and a challenging experience. Past participants of study abroad report that the many advantages of international study include: Gaining new perspectives on a chosen academic field Increasing understanding of different cultures Enhancing personal development Developing different perspectives on U.S. culture Gaining self-confidence and independence Learning skills for the future international job market
It is up to you to determine how you can best benefit from these possible advantages. This is your adventure!
Use this program-specific guide with the more general resources in your BlugoldsAbroad account. While this guide contains the information available at the time of publication, it is impossible for any single resource to answer all of your questions. Your peer advisor will email information throughout the semester, and we encourage you to do your own research, also, using the web resources listed towards the end of this guide, as well as others that you find. Contact the Center for International Education (CIE) staff or your peer advisor with your specific questions.
Questions only you can answer include: 1) What are YOUR goals for this experience? Advancement in a future profession, desire to expand personal and academic horizons, and wish to challenge yourself in a new environment?
2) How can you best prepare to meet your goals within the context of this program? For example, if one of your goals is truly being immersed in Japanese culture, yet you are going with a group of American students, how can you ensure that you do not spend too much time with other Americans?
The information in this guide was current at the time of publication, though changes may occur at any time.
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and take a Japanese language placement ACADEMICS exam. Even though registration occurs so late, Additional information on topics such as students are advised to explore what courses maintaining program eligibility, registration are being offered. at UW-Eau Claire, class attendance, course equivalencies, grades, transcripts and Students are required to take a Japanese service learning is in the Academics section language course each semester. of your Study Abroad Handbook. Japanese Language Class Pre-departure Planning No previous study of Japanese is required. Please see the Nagasaki Academic Page on However, all students take a Japanese our website, for details on how to plan your language placement test upon arrival and take courses. There are details on how your courses 4-credits of language. The language courses will transfer back to UWEC. currently enroll students into eight levels, from beginning to an advanced level. Each class is a Credits and Course Load comprehensive language class including work During the term, students take between 12 and on conversation, grammar, reading and writing. 18 semester credits, including one Japanese Advanced level is intended for students language course at the appropriate level (4 preparing to enter a Japanese university. In credits), three or four Japan Studies courses (2 credits each), and one or two seminars in addition to regular homework assignments and Traditional Japanese Arts (1 credit each). language-laboratory work, the Japanese Independent Study is also available on a limited language course also includes one-on-one basis. tutoring sessions with native-speaking conversation partners to reinforce the
classroom studies. The pace of study requires Keep in mind: • The credits you earn abroad are that students be highly motivated and genuinely considered UW-Eau Claire resident committed to learning the Japanese language. credits. • The classes you take abroad will count All the language classes contain a significant towards the total credits needed for practical component to enable students to get graduation. the most out of their experience of living in the • Dropping below full-time status may native-language environment. The most basic result in loss of financial aid and/or level (Beginning Japanese I) is especially tailored to meet the immediate needs of those insurance coverage and must be students arriving in Japan with little or no approved in advance by the CIE and knowledge of Japanese language. Nagasaki.
Registration at NUFS In addition to the 4-credit language core You will be enrolling in NUFS’ Japanese courses, there are additional Japanese Studies in Nagasaki Program (JASIN), which is language electives that you can take. Each designed for American and European students. course meets once a week for 90 minutes and Registration will be completed after you arrive is 1 credit.
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and posted to your UWEC transcript. No Japan Studies Classes exceptions will be made. The Japan Studies classes are designed specifically for foreign students. Most of the Transcripts classes are conducted in English, while some Please see the Academics section of the Study are conducted in simplified Japanese in order to Abroad Handbook for important information if be accessible to students with an intermediate you are graduating, transferring or applying level of Japanese language ability or higher. for a competitive major such as Nursing or The Japan Studies classes will focus on Education at the end of your term abroad. Japanese history, culture, literature, business, economics, and society. These classes are 2 A NUFS transcript will be sent to USAC, and credits each and meet once a week for 90 then to UW-Eau Claire, roughly two-three minutes. months after the end of the semester. Because this is later than the end of the UW-Eau Claire Seminars in Traditional Japanese semester, your MyBlugold CampS account will Arts initially indicate “NR” (not reported). This will be The seminars are intended to deepen students' changed once the transcript arrives. If you are experience of Japanese culture through hands- a senior studying abroad for your last on experience of traditional arts. Combined with semester, you will need to delay your related readings and a report or a final test, graduation by one semester following your they are one credit each. Availability may vary. return from Japan
Dropping/Adding Courses If you are asked to complete a transcript You will have approximately one week to release form by USAC, have the transcript add/drop classes to your schedule. You will sent to the Center for International have to drop classes by using JASIN’s form and Education (see Contacts page for full you will need to pay attention to their deadlines. address). UWEC cannot post grades that were first sent to a student. Grades Below you will find the grade conversion for Japanese Academic System NUFS. It is important to be prepared for some differences that you may notice between the NUFS = UWEC education system in Japan and the education S = A system in the US. Pay close attention to the A = A guidelines set by the professor and be B = B respectful of any rules put in place. Also, C = C remember that the classroom behavior of the F = F typical American student may be unacceptable in other countries. Note: UWEC students abroad are not allowed to take classes pass/fail. Grades Habits of physical posture such as putting your from USAC are figured into your UWEC GPA feet up on chairs, sitting on desks, slouching in
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your seat, and casual or informal ways of looking at the correct term. The cost estimate addressing others, especially professors, can includes what you pay to UWEC, what you pay be seen as signs of laziness or disrespect and to USAC, what you pay to the JASIN program should be avoided. (NUFS), and what you pay directly to other vendors. Food and drink are not allowed in Japanese university classrooms without explicit USAC Payments & Refund Policy permission from the professor and are not For questions about paying your USAC fees, allowed under any circumstance in Media please contact the USAC accounting person Center classrooms. Cell phones are to be listed in your Gateway account. You can pay turned off and out of sight. Pay close attention with credit card, check, or money order. to the advice provided for international students as you adjust to a new academic culture. In addition to the UWEC refund policy outlined in the "Money Matters" section of the Study Fall Semester Early Out Option Abroad Handbook, USAC has its own financial The fall semester runs from late September policies related to payment, cancellations, and through early February. Since you will need to be changes. Information about the withdrawal back at UWEC, you will be partaking in early deadlines and penalties are in the USAC This option is only available assessment dates. Program Agreement and USAC Financial to fall semester students and you will sign up for Agreement in your Gateway account. this once you are conditionally accepted by
USAC. Housing Costs
You will pay all housing costs directly to the Service Learning NUFS. The price will depend on the housing There may be opportunities to get involved in option you are assigned and your roommate the local community. The NUFS staff will notify situation. you should anything come up but if you are
looking for something specific, you should seek Currency Exchange out the staff to inquire. The currency of Japan is the yen. Coins are worth 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, or 500 yen. Bills come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and MONEY MATTERS 10,000 yen. UWEC information about making payments, when they are due, withdrawal and refund You can find current exchange rates at deadlines, financial aid, general http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/. scholarships, budgeting and ways to bring
money abroad is in the Money Matters Cost of Living section of your Study Abroad Handbook. For an idea of what everyday costs you may
encounter, check out this website: Cost Estimate https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of- You can find the most current Cost Estimate for living/in/Nagasaki-Japan your program, in easily printable format, on the Nagasaki brochure page. Be sure you are
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long programs) or $4,000 (for students on Scholarships academic year programs). See USAC Scholarships: USAC offers a variety of http://www.aatj.org/studyabroad/japan-bridging- scholarships. For information, visit USAC’s scholarships for application deadlines and Scholarship website. You will see optional forms. scholarship applications on your USAC Gateway account when they open. You can Freeman-Asia Scholarship: Freeman-ASIA apply for all scholarships you are eligible for accepts applications from U.S. citizens or and can be awarded more than one permanent residents studying at the scholarship. undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate financial Scholarships for UWEC students on USAC need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Programs: USAC also offers an Affiliate The application system usual opens in February Scholarship just for UWEC students on a USAC for all terms that following academic year. For program. You will be considered for this more information visit: scholarship when you complete the UWEC http://www.iie.org/Programs/Freeman-ASIA. Study Abroad Foundation Scholarship application. The number of awards varies by Money on Arrival term. Amounts vary between $200 - $500. A general recommendation is to travel with the equivalent of $100-$200 dollars in your host Bridging Scholarship: The Association of country currency when you arrive. Obtaining Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project accepts Japanese Yen may be hard while in the states, applications from American students so you should find an ATM shortly after arriving participating in study abroad programs in to withdraw some yen. Japan. Funding from private foundations and major U.S. corporations has made it possible Credit Cards and ATMs for ATJ to award 100 scholarships annually to Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly assist students with the travel and living accepted credit cards abroad. In Japan, cash is expenses they will incur while studying abroad usually the preferred method of payment but in Japan. cards can be accepted. Most credit cards do charge a fee or percentage for the currency Undergraduate students majoring in any field of exchange rate. Notify your credit card company study are eligible to apply for these prior to departure of where you will be scholarships. Students must be U.S. citizens or travelling. permanent residents and be enrolled in a college or university in the United States. Debit cards are usually the best option for withdrawing money while abroad. Be sure you The spring applications open in the summer know the 4-digit pin for your card and ask your and are due in early October. bank what the withdrawal fees are. You may also want to know your daily limit. Your bank Bridging Scholarship recipients receive a may charge transaction fees for each foreign stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester- transaction, so you should try to limit the
8 frequency of your ATM withdrawals. Your bank included in the Health & Insurance and may have global partners that allow you to Safety Abroad sections of your Study withdraw for fewer fees, so take note if any Abroad Handbook. banks are partners with your bank. Centers for Disease Control The Post Office is where you will find ATMs that The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has you can use. There is a Post Office within vaccination suggestions, how to stay healthy walking distance of campus where students when abroad, and health information specific to usually go to withdraw money. Some ATM’s will Japan. You can review the CDC site for Japan. have an English option. Something to note about ATM’s in Japan: Due to an increasing measles and mumps 1) ATMs are generally only accessible when cases worldwide, we strongly encourage all the institution (post office, bank, etc...) is students to check their vaccine history to see if open. Don’t plan on having 24 hr. access to they have had the MMR vaccine. ATMs.
2) ATMs at Japanese banks are not Insect Bites necessarily connected to the right networks Insect borne diseases, particularly from for U.S. cardholders. Therefore, the post mosquitoes, are present worldwide. See the office ATM is the best bet. CDC recommendations on avoiding bug bites for detailed information. Traveler’s Checks Traveler’s checks are increasingly rare and Medical/Mental Health Availability difficult to use so it is not recommended. They in Japan NUFS is a very small campus and does not generally must be cashed at a major bank, have a medical clinic or counseling services although in some countries, post offices also located directly on campus. However, students offer this service. You must have your passport do have access to 24-hour medical services with you. Most banks charge a fee for cashing through local hospitals and NUFS staff or host the checks; it can vary widely. Before cashing a parents can accompany you to these services. check, ASK what the fee is. You will be given a guidebook (at orientation in Nagasaki) with a list of English-speaking Make sure you record your check numbers and doctors, so keep that handy in the event you keep the numbers separate from the checks, in need to visit the doctor and don’t have access case you need to get them replaced. to someone from NUFS.
Opening a Bank Account It is important to note that therapy services in You may want to open a bank account at the Japan are much more limited than what you local post office. You'll get assistance on doing may be used to in the U.S. It may be hard to this during orientation in Japan. identify therapists and/or there may be long wait times. Do reach out to NUFS staff if you want suggestions on English-speaking therapists. Or HEALTH & SAFETY you can contact your UWEC coordinator and General information on these issues, as well as information on CISI insurance, is
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they can work with CISI insurance to identify an English-speaking therapist. Most prescription drugs are permitted, including drugs that may not be available in Japan, such Restrictions on Medications in as birth control pills. Drugs that are Japan hallucinogenic, narcotic, and/or psychotropic in Past participants recommend that you bring nature will be confiscated, except in extenuating your own cold medication, aspirin, etc. since circumstances where prior approval has been over the counter medicine may not be the same obtained (e.g., a cancer patient taking a type of or hard to find. However, some common over- medication that has a high percentage of pain the-counter medications and commonly killer; these cases are treated on a case by prescribed U.S. medications are illegal in case basis). Japan. See the Consular Information Sheet for more information on traveling with over-the- The following over-the-counter medications are counter and prescription drugs. prohibited in Japan since they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the If you plan to bring in medications, be sure Japanese standard: to research if you need to obtain a Yakkan Shoumei (approval from the Japanese a) Tylenol Cold government. This has to be done BEFORE b) Nyquil travel and shown at customs. The CIE and c) Nyquil Liquicaps USAC are not Japanese officials so we cannot d) Actifed make the determination as to what requires a e) Sudafed Yakkan Shoumei. Please contact the consulate f) Advil Cold & Sinus for more information. The following information g) Dristan Cold ("No Drowsiness") about bringing medications to Japan is posted h) Dristan Sinus on the Japanese Consulate-Chicago website: i) Drixoral Sinus (http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health- j) Vicks Inhaler medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html) k) Lomotil
You can bring up to one month's supply of CISI Insurance in Japan prescription drugs into Japan, and up to two If you have an accident or become ill while months’ supply of non-prescription drugs studying in Japan, you may have to pay the without completing any paperwork. This same price of the medical service up front. You will rule applies to mailing prescription and/or non- then file a claim through CISI, the insurance prescription drugs. provided through the UW System for partial or full reimbursement in accordance with plan It is always a good idea to have a copy of the coverages. prescription and/or letter from the prescribing physician explaining the nature of the Services for Students with medication, the purpose of taking it, Disabilities recommended dosage, and frequency of USAC will work with NUFS to help you navigate ingestion. their accommodations. If you have a significant
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mobility or sensory disability, you should inform sites. To reduce the risk, do not have your USAC right away. phone or other valuables out in public spaces. An iPhone is a target for pick-pocketers. If you It is also important to look at the level of carry a purse, make sure it is across the body accessibility in Japan in general. To find more and has zippers. Keep your wallet in a front information on the topic, please see the “Laws pocket, not a back pocket. Only carry small and Special Circumstances” tab on the U.S. amounts of cash on you to minimize loss. Using State Department Country page. a money belt under your clothing is another way to prevent valuables from being stolen. Safety in Japan Information on crime, road safety, drug Hiking: If you decide to hike, please make sure penalties, and terrorist activity in Japan can be you hike with a buddy and let someone know found in the State Department Consular where you are going and when you plan to Information Sheet. Safety in-and-around Japan return. While hiking, be aware of the weather as will be discussed during orientation in Japan. it can turn very quickly.
Just as you need to do in any U.S. city, you will Earthquakes: The majority of Japan is need to take safety precautions while walking vulnerable to earthquakes, and therefore and traveling around Japan. Using your potential tsunamis. This release of energy in common sense at all times will aid you well. earthquakes sometimes results in tsunamis. Avoid unlighted areas at night when you are walking around the city, and do not walk or take During an earthquake: buses alone at night – especially women. Don't • Stay calm take any unnecessary risks! • Do not use an elevator or try to evacuate the building Past participants who studied in Japan note • Distance yourself from glass, that, although Japan has the reputation of being bookcases, and partitions that could fall safe for women, they heard rumors of sexual • If you are next to a door, open it assaults against women while in Japan leading • If it is not possible to access a secure them to believe that the reported safety may area, try to find a corner or a firm actually be an under-reporting of incidents. counter under which to take shelter and cover your head **NOTE: Both men and women should be • Do not attempt to rescue any objects aware of their safety at all times. In the past, • Remain alert to gas leaks, pipe breaks, men have been just as susceptible as women and short circuits to potential risks. As U.S. Americans, you may • Do not leave the premises immediately; stick out as "foreigners." The best advice is to wait until the earthquake stops be aware of your surroundings, listen to your instincts, and use your common sense. After an earthquake: • Note that after an earthquake, there will Pick-Pocketing: Pick-pocketing is common on be aftershocks public transportation and at popular tourist
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• Identify evacuation routes; follow Marijuana and other Illegal Drugs evacuation signs placed visibly in each The possession and use of marijuana is area illegal. Even carrying it on your person can be • Proceed without running down hallways, considered drug trafficking. Penalties for stairs, and patios and head to the possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in outside of the building Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can • Never use the elevator expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. U.S. • Do not light matches, candles, or other citizenship offers no protection if you break a objects that create the risk of fire or Japanese law. There is NOTHING the CIE, explosion USAC, NUFS or the U.S. government can do if • Pay attention to obstacles you are found in violation the law. • When leaving the building, use caution as there could be falling objects In addition to legal penalties, you are putting • After evacuation, do not re-enter the yourself at risk of robbery or assault, or you building until receiving express may get a much more dangerous combination permission from university authorities of drugs than you thought you were buying.
Always follow the recommendations and instructions given by local law enforcement and REQUIRED the campus community. OCUMENTS D Passport information is included in the Emergency Contacts Travel Resources section of your Study General emergency procedures are described Abroad Handbook. in the Study Abroad Handbook, and the NUFS
international staff is available if difficulties arise. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact You will receive an emergency contact card at the CIE for more information about the the Orientation 2; be sure to keep it in your following topics. wallet at all times. The information is also on
the Contact Names & Addresses page of this Visa guide. A visa is official permission to temporarily
reside in another country and is granted by the 911 Equivalent in Japan government of that country. If you are in an emergency situation in Japan,
you will need to know how to reach the local Although the CIE and USAC will provide police, fire, or ambulance services. The local information, it is your responsibility to keep equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Japan up-to-date about student visa requirements is 110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire. for Japan, and to apply for and receive a We suggest you save these numbers in your visa in a timely manner. Please read the cell phone in case you need to use them “Visa” section of your Study Abroad Handbook quickly. for more information about what you should do
to keep up-to-date on visa requirements.
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U.S. citizens, who want to study Japan, will Weather/Clothing need to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Japan. Nagasaki enjoys a semitropical climate. This Note that you cannot apply for your visa until means it rarely freezes and plants such as palm you receive your Certificate of Eligibility trees can thrive. Southern Japan is quite hot from the JASIN program at NUFS. This and humid in the summer. Though it rarely typically arrives one-two months prior to snows or freezes, the winters can feel cold departure- in July-August for fall/year students because of the humidity, wind, and the fact that or in January-February for spring students. The most houses are not centrally heated, so you'll JASIN program will mail your Certificate of still want a warm coat, warm clothes, long Eligibility to USAC who will then send it to you. underwear and warm slippers for winter Make sure that you update any changes in (November – March). address with the CIE and USAC. Summer (April – October) is warm, wet and Visas generally take two weeks to obtain by humid. June and July tend to be the hottest and mail (including mail time). Be sure to have all of wettest months. Sandals, long shorts, and nice your other documents ready to send and send tops are acceptable; halter or tube tops and everything immediately upon receipt of your short shorts are not. You'll find that dress is Certificate of Eligibility. generally more formal than in the U.S., but nice jeans and tops are acceptable for students. You cannot enter Japan under a tourist visa, so you must have your student visa prior to Bring slip-on shoes, as you'll be slipping them traveling. off whenever you're inside! Men's size 9 and larger, and women's size 6 and larger are hard
to find, as are panty hose for women taller than Visas for Travel to Other Countries 5'5". And note that clothes sizes, like shoe If you plan to travel outside your host country sizes, are at the small/petite end of the size while abroad, you should verify visa spectrum. requirements for each country you will visit by contacting the nearest consulate for that Packing country, or your travel agency. China does Your peer advisor will give a suggested packing require U.S. citizens to have a visa for tourist list at your second group meeting later in the travel. semester prior to departure.
PACKING TIPS If you are going to be abroad during the winter There is general packing information in the months, you will want to make sure you pack Travel Resources section of your Study accordingly. You will have heat in your Abroad Handbook, and you will get a accommodations, but you may find buildings to suggested packing list for Japan at be drafty and cooler. Orientation 2 and USAC will post a packing list to your Gateway account. In addition, Because you will deal with a range of you should know the following: temperatures, bring clothes that you can wear or take off in layers.
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Gifts If you plan to travel, you will want to make sure If you decide to live with a host family, you may you have adaptors that will work in each want to pack some small items as gifts for your country as they aren’t all the same. host family. A memento from Wisconsin, like a UWEC mug, might be nice. If you are unsure Do Not Bring what, if anything, to bring, ask your Peer Do not bring expensive cell phones, jewelry, or Advisor for suggestions. other luxury items that can be lost or stolen. If you do decide to bring items that are expensive Converters & Adapters to replace, you may want to consider personal The electric current in Western Japan is 100 property insurance for your time in Japan. volts and the plugs used are the small, two- pronged type, the same as the kind used in North America. Since most electrical appliances GETTING TO JAPAN are designed to operate in a range of voltages, There is information on student-oriented devices designed for 100 to 120 volts seem to travel agencies, instructions for booking a work fine at the Japanese 110 volts. However, flight, and other travel information in the the JASIN program has found that devices that Travel Resources section of your Study generate heat, such as hair dryers tend to burn Abroad Handbook. out after a while. Travel Arrangements If you plan to bring a hair dryer, razor or other It is your responsibility to make travel appliance from the US, you will need to buy arrangements to Japan. Airline tickets are not both a voltage converter and a plug adapter. included in your program fees. Another option is to buy the appliances after you arrive. It isn’t recommended that you bring You will need to book your own flight and arrive these items as past students have commented prior to the mandatory orientation. The program on how they have over heated or stopped expects students to arrive at Fukuoka working and were ruined. Many students International Airport on the designated arrival usually purchase a cheap product once they day. You will be met at the airport by a JASIN arrive in the country. representative and taken to a hotel in Fukuoka for an overnight stay. You will be responsible If you plan to bring your laptop abroad, check for paying for the hotel stay. The next day, the the power cord to see acceptable voltage inputs group will travel by bus to Nagasaki. and outputs. If it includes 100-110 volts, you will only need to use a plug adapter, not a voltage If you make other arrangements for travel, you converter. will be responsible for making your way to Nagasaki and checking-in to your If you have several US appliances you plan to accommodations on the designated day. use abroad, consider bringing a power strip, There is a $200 fee, that USAC will charge, also. You will still need to have a voltage for students who miss orientation! converter in order to plug it into the wall.
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Early Arrivals Leaving Your Host City Early arrivals are not encouraged. If you decide Return airport transportation isn’t included in to arrive early, you will have to either meet the your program fees and you will need to find group at the Fukuoka hotel or make your own your own way to the airport on your last day. way to Nagasaki (i.e. not be met at the airport) and the program cannot guarantee that your Airport Departure Tax accommodation stay can begin before the When you leave Japan, you will have to pay a scheduled move-in date. If you arrive to Japan 1000-yen (~$10USD) airport departure tax. This early, please let the JASIN program know your will be paid at the airport while going through whereabouts in case they need to get in contact customs before your international departure. It with you. Your USAC Gateway account will is something to be prepared to pay. have a list of hotels to stay in if you need temporary housing. You will have to pay for those yourself. SETTLING IN Orientation You will have a mandatory orientation upon Airport Pick-Up Service arrival to Nagasaki. If you fail to attend, USAC As mentioned in previous sections, the will charge you $200. During orientation, you program expects students to arrive at Fukuoka will take a language placement exam and International Airport on the designated arrival register for classes. Past participants day. You will be met at the airport by a JASIN recommend that you make good use of this representative and taken to a hotel in Fukuoka time to get to know other students. for an overnight stay. You will be responsible for paying for the hotel stay. The next day, the On-Site Support group will travel by bus to Nagasaki. The JASIN team will provide support should
any questions or concerns arise. They are there Late Arrivals-Expected and to assist you, but they will not actively seek you Unexpected out to make sure everything is going okay. If you don’t arrive as scheduled, for any reason, you will be responsible for arranging and paying Local Transportation for your transfer from the airport. Again, watch Taxis are also plentiful and relatively for detailed instructions in your arrival inexpensive. Be sure to watch the meter to information from the JASIN program. They will make sure it is being used properly. Many taxis send you detailed information. wait at taxi stands around the city, but you can
also hail one if it drives by. Write down your address Important reminder: or campus address, on a piece of paper, in Getting Involved case you need to give it to a cab driver on Conversation Partners: In order to give you arrival. practice speaking Japanese, you will be assigned a Conversation Partner who is a volunteer from among the Japanese students at the college. You are to meet with your partner once or twice a week for an hour each time.
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What you do during your time with your partner information on housing, how to apply for is basically up to you, but activities range from housing, as well as cancellation policies. free conversation to asking them to drill you on exercises from your texts to talking about All housing fees will be paid directly to the aspects of Japanese culture. Though the NUFS program in Nagasaki. You will have the students are neither teachers nor experts on option to live in the dormitories or in a homestay. Japanese grammar, they may be able to help you with questions you might have concerning your Japanese studies. Each partner is Dormitory – Ampelos assigned to you for a two-month period. All students have the option of living in the dormitory. It is located just 15 minutes from
campus. Students live in single or double rooms Extracurricular Activities: The way (cost will vary) and each room is equipped with extracurricular activities, called "clubs," at a bed, desk, chair, electric range, air Japanese universities are conducted resemble conditioner/heater, telephone, closet, and a the systems at European institutions of higher private bathroom complete with a toilet and education; in other words, the activities are sink. Generally, there is a curfew of 11pm, but initiated by the students themselves and are students who reside in the hall will be given a student lead. Therefore, the activities offered key code to gain access. from year to year vary depending on who organizes them. Some which are usually Wi-Fi is throughout and is included in monthly offered are chorus, soft tennis, hard tennis service charges that you pay directly to NUFS. (international tennis), tea ceremony, basketball, kendo, baseball, volleyball, and hip-hop dance. The Ampelos staff are available 24/7 in case As students of the college, foreign students you were to suddenly get ill. They also will host may organize clubs as well. However, in order a few events throughout the semester. In the to qualify for the financial support, which is past, those have been BBQs, Christmas party, available to clubs, they must be organized at etc. the beginning of the academic year, April, and must respect the deadline for application and There are community washing machines available in the hall and the cost is paid out-of- the proper application procedure. pocket. Dryers are typically not available as
they are not common in Japan. Field Trips: An additional fee that students will pay directly to NUFS is the activity fee. This covers an overnight stay in the hot springs Homestay NUFS arranges for students who want to resort in Unzen National Park, as well as a one- participate in a homestay. The families are in day field trip to sights of interest outside the the surrounding community and travel times to city. There will be additional field trips that campus will vary greatly, but generally range students can sign up for too. from 20-45 minutes, either by walking or public transportation. Any transportation costs are OUSING paid out-of-pocket by students. H USAC: See the USAC Housing Guide in your Gateway account for additional general
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Most students are placed one per family, but put into the relationship, the more you will occasionally, some families will have more than receive! one student. The makeup, location and type of accommodation (apartment, condominium or Changing Families home) will vary greatly. Some hosts families will If you discover that you absolutely cannot get be more lenient toward their student’s social along with your host family, talk with the JASIN activities, but some insist that their students staff about it so that changes can be made, if keep a regular schedule. appropriate. (UW-Eau Claire is not involved in the actual family placements, and changes Wi-Fi is included with the accommodation at no must be done through JASIN.) But remember additional cost. to give the situation some time and to be flexible and open-minded. Laundry can typically be done for free in the homestays, but dryers are usually not found in homes because dryers are not common in Financial Arrangements Japan. Instead families will have clotheslines. While NUFS/JASIN screens families carefully to ensure that they have cultural interests for Living with a Family participating, most households participating do Get involved as much as you can with your so at least partially for economic reasons. This family. They are an important resource for you is only logical, given the disruption that hosting to learn from and a great resource to help you a student causes to family life. It is not easy to experience the culture of Japan! For example, welcome a stranger into your home for several you may have an interest in cooking. By taking months. The entire family needs to adjust some mixes or recipes from home, you may schedules and habits to accommodate a new easily gain entry into the kitchen, and your host mom may be thrilled if you show an interest in person. In addition, there are very real costs Japan cuisine. associated with having another person in the home. Receiving some monetary compensation Conversation is important in Japanese culture. for this is only fair, and most families would not You can spend hours after a meal chatting and consider hosting otherwise. watching television or learning to play Japanese card games. If you stay after the program ends and request Remember that you are a guest in your family’s to remain at your host family's house, you must home. Offer to do some things around the pay your family for room and board. You should house, like helping with meals or dishes. Keep not expect your host family to provide room and your room and other areas of the house that board for free. The families need your you use tidy. And be aware of noise levels, contribution in order to take care of you. particularly if you are coming home later at night. The Home Stay Bathroom Keep in mind that any relationship is a two-way For homestay students, most families prefer street. It is as much your responsibility to fit that you shower at night; they will tell you when into the family as it is their responsibility to you first move in. The shower is a bit different include you in their daily life. The more you from what you are used to--you sit down and use a bowl of water to rinse off. You will often
17 hear the water being turned on . . . and off. . plate. You serve yourself, so take small .and on and off. This is because they are portions of things to start with; you can always saving water (and money!) by only using water have a second helping! when they need to wash soap off. You will want to do this, too! Also remember that you should You will learn to eat with chopsticks, if you not take a long shower/bath, because other have not already. A few things to know: family members may be waiting. • Chopsticks are called "ohashi." When you need to set them down, set them across Japanese homes also have a bath called an your rice bowl, on the side of your plate, or "ofuro," where you can dip and relax for a bit back on your chopstick rest, called a AFTER you have showered and gotten clean. "hashioki." Never stick your chopsticks They reuse the water for everyone each night, vertically into your rice bowl; this is only so don't drain the tub unless everyone else has done when offering rice to the dead. already bathed! • It is considered very rude to point at people or stab your food with your chopsticks. What's Provided? In both housing options, you will need to A few other dining tips: provide your own towels. Basic bedding will be • Wait until someone directs you where to sit provided. at the table. • When you begin a meal, put your hands Meals & Snacks together and say "etadakimau" (I humbly Dormitory: You are required to have the meal receive this.) plan (breakfast and dinner) for the first three • When you are done, say months of your program. After that, you are fee "gochisosamadesita" (something like, "I to opt out and prepare your own meals. Please humbly accepted; it was good.”) note it is very hard for them to provide special dietary needs such as vegan or gluten free. You Internet Access will pay all room and board fees directly to Your housing will have internet access. There NUFS. are computer labs across campus that you will have access to. There will be free Wi-Fi The dining hall will be open for limited hours: hotspots around campus, and town. If you bring - Breakfast: 7am-9am your own laptop, be sure to exercise caution - Dinner: 6pm – 8pm with it. Some past students have obtained If you miss a meal, you are responsible for personal liability insurance for protecting their making your own food. valuable, but that is at your own discretion.
Homestay: In the Japanese home, you will Housing Costs have seven breakfasts and seven evening Housing costs are NOT included in your USAC meals each week. program fees. You will pay all housing related fees to the appropriate NUFS/JASIN Keep in mind that it is impolite when eating with office/department. your host family not to eat everything on your
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OMMUNICATION your carrier to see if there are international C plans and to have your phone unlocked. Information on accessing/forwarding your UW-Eau Claire email address and on Cell phones are affordable and can also be computer app-based phone services purchased once you arrive. Most plans allow for (SKYPE, What’s App, Facetime, etc) is in pay-as-you-go so it can be more affordable and the Contacts & Communication section of easier to do this. your Study Abroad Handbook. Calling from the U.S. Time Difference From the U.S. to Japan. First dial 011, which Japan is generally 15 hours ahead of Eau is the international dialing code. Next, you must Claire. For example, when it is 8:00 AM on a dial the country code for your host country. Thursday in Eau Claire, it is 11:00 PM on Country codes can be found in the front of Thursday in Japan. However, Japan does not participate in “daylight savings time” system. phone books or online at Therefore, sometimes Japan is only 14 hours http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/. Then you ahead of Eau Claire. dial the rest of the number. https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/japan Courteous Communication Email/Internet Access If Skyping/using other communication apps in On campus, you will have access to Internet. your room, use headphones, close the door to The college has two large Computer Assisted your room, speak softly, and end the Instruction (CAI) laboratories which are open to conversation immediately if it is time for a meal student use whenever there is not a computer (if living in a homestay). class being conducted in the room. The rooms are always available for a few minutes before Snail Mail classes begin in the morning, and for a few International airmail typically takes 7-10 days hours after classes in the evening. In addition to (or longer) to reach most locations. It is not these two rooms, there are two other computer stations, with a small number of terminals, recommended to send or receive anything of continually open to student use. real value, as customs may put a hefty customs fee on it. Know that anything you send or The connection speed to the Internet is so-so. receive is subject to being searched by customs. There is wireless connectivity at certain locations. A sign-up process is necessary Japanese Language before access is granted and one of the Communication, for Americans, can be requirements is that the computer have name- challenging, in a country where the language is brand or proven anti-virus software installed. not English. Many international students studying at Nagasaki have not had any Cell Phone Information Japanese and some have studied it for a few Cell phones are just as common in Japan as semesters. Here are some tips from past they are in the U.S. If you want to bring your students: U.S. cellphone, you will need to check with
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Using your Japanese “Many restaurants have displays of food in “It is important to make friends from countries front, so you can point to what you want.” other than the U.S. That way, Japanese, not English, can be your common language.” Homestay Families: It is very likely that your family has been hosting American students for “Talk with the many Japanese students hanging a number of years. This means that even when around the lounge of the International you say the wrong thing, chances are they will Education buildings (where your classes will understand you. Many of your families won’t be).” know English, even if they’ve had past students. Don't be afraid to speak with your Getting Around family at meals, after meals, during down time, “Lucky for English speakers, many of the forms at any possibility. of transportation in Japan, such as trains, have English translations on the signs. So, when you are going to major places you can somewhat TRAVEL WHILE orient yourself.” ABROAD See additional information in the Travel The country of Japan is full of extremely nice “ Resources section of your Study Abroad and helpful people who will do their best to help Handbook. you out if you are lost. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
Tourist Information “Be polite. The two most important words to The Japan National Tourist Organization know in Japan are I’m sorry and thank you. (JNTO) has three regional offices in the United (Sumimasen and Arigatoo).” States. Contact them for FREE brochures,
maps, info on affordable accommodations, “Many Japanese students like to practice their restaurants, etc. You can find info on their Web English. Invite a Japanese friend to travel with site at http://www.jnto.go.jp. you!”
Train Travel “After you have traveled around a bit, you will Students travel most frequently by train in begin to know how to get places even if you Japan. Tickets can be bought at machines right can’t read the signs.” before the turn styles. You look up at the board
to see the price and then push that amount on Ordering food: the machine. “Learn some basic vocab for food- that way you can say some of those to your waiter/waitress, Train stations only accept cash so past and they can show you some of the dishes that students recommend that you carry 10,000 yen contain those items.” on you for emergencies. Also, transportation is
the cheapest in big cities and gets more “Some of the bigger restaurants will have expensive as you get to more rural areas. English menus.” Once you're in Japan, ask about a Japan
Railway bargain, the seishun ju-hachi kippu.
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This is a booklet of six coupons that allows trains are very crowded, and, in this situation, it unlimited travel for a 24-hour period. The is acceptable to break personal space rules. On booklets are only available when Japanese trains, it is also advisable to keep from talking students are on vacation. They may be split loudly and speaking on a cell phone is frowned among travelers in a group. upon.
There is an express train called Shinkansen. Treatment of foreigners is an often- The cost varies, but it is not as expensive as misunderstood area of Japanese culture. flying. You can do a quick search of Stereotypically, the Japanese are standoffish to Shinkansen fares at http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ those not from Japan (called gaijiin in slang). In practice, the Japanese are friendly and tolerant Buses of foreigners, especially in places where many If a train can't get you there, a bus can. In foreigners usually live (e.g. in international bigger cities, the train will often be enough, but college areas). One should not expect in more rural areas, buses are needed. Japanese people to go out of their way to Reading the bus map can be more confusing at interact with a foreigner, but civility and the beginning but have patience. friendliness are very common.
Air Travel That said, foreign visitors should be aware of There are two Japanese airlines: Japan Air Line Japanese customs of communication and http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ and All Nippon Airways interaction and should follow those reasonably http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/. closely. For example, the Japanese disapprove of excessive rowdiness or loud talking.
CULTURE Politeness and hierarchy are very important in Religion Japan. Japanese people apologize for almost Religion is important to the Japanese, but everything, even if it’s not their fault. Japanese people typically follow traditions from a wide people are also very aware of who “out-ranks” variety of practices. The primary religions are them in society; for example, a teacher ranks Buddhism and Shinto (the primarily animist above a student, a parent ranks above a child, religion of ancient Japan), with from 84 to 96 a boss ranks above an employee. percent officially following a combination of both religions. Estimates state that only 30% of the For foreigners in the country, following the population actually follows strict religious “polite language rules” is not completely practices. necessary, but an awareness of it is helpful for understanding the culture. Cultural Concepts Personal space is wider in Japan. When you Gender roles in Japan may still be considered meet someone, you stand a few feet apart and relatively old-fashioned by U.S. standards, bow, rather than shake hands. although this is rapidly changing. Men are the primary income winners and are expected to People rarely smile at passersby on the street work long hours at their jobs. Women are and eye contact is typically minimal. Often, the
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increasingly joining the workforce, but whether • Slurping soup is okay; it is even encouraged they work or not, women are also expected to as a sign that you like the food. You may also take care of the house and children. pick your rice or miso bowl up to keep from spilling. An important contemporary social issue in • It is rude to drink or eat messy foods while Japan is a lowered birthrate; this is, in part, walking around. This rule is tricky, but because women are choosing to have a career generally, if you can’t eat something instead of children. discreetly, don’t eat it while walking. (e.g. open containers of beverage; foods like Customs and Etiquette hamburger, bagged snacks, etc.) On the train: • Drinking alcohol in public is severely frowned • The cardinal rule of train-riding is "Quiet!" upon. There are beer vending machines Keep your voice down and do not talk on a around, but the Japanese will buy from them cell phone (texting is okay). and bring the unopened beer home with • Do not block the train doors. Try not to use them. the fold-down seats near the doors if the • If you need more drinks or food at a karaoke train is crowded; if you are on the folding bar and it is not self-serve, use the phone seats when the train stops, stand up to let near the door. others through. • Tipping does not exist in Japan. • Do not stare at others on the train. Keep your belongings close to you and out of the General tips: way of others. • Be quiet when walking around outside, • Sleeping is okay on the train, but do not fall especially at night. The walls of Japanese asleep on other people. houses are thin, and the Japanese do not enjoy being woken up in the middle of the When riding a bike: night. • It is okay to ride in the road, but watch out for • If people are staring at you, don’t get angry cars, as roads are very narrow. Don’t make and don’t stare back. Remember that as a unpredictable movements, especially around foreigner, you are an unusual sight in Japan! cars. • When it is raining, if you have an umbrella, • Lock your bike whenever you leave it. Do not look for a little fixture near the door that wraps leave your bike in places that are not bike your umbrella in plastic. Not all places have parking lots. them, but it’s best to look just the same. If • there is no plastic-wrapper thing, there will Eating: likely be a wire rack to leave your umbrella • Before you begin to eat, it is customary to say on. Make sure you take your umbrella when “Itadakimasu” (ee-ta-da-kee-mah-s). When you leave! finished eating, say “Gouchisousama deshita” (Go-chee-sew-sah-mah de-shee-ta).
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CONTACT INFORMATION JASIN/NUFS Japanese Consulate in U.S. UW-Eau Claire Tomoko Mohri & Naoki Kamio Consulate General of Japan at [email protected] Chicago After Hours Emergency 737 N. Michigan Ave. Suite (715)577-9045 USAC Central Office (US) 1100 Cydney Giroux Chicago, IL 60611 Remember that in most cases, local contacts are best in local [email protected] Tel.: (312) 280 0400 emergency situations. 775-682-5849 Fax: (312) 280-9568 http://www.chicago.us.emb- japan.go.jp/ If you have an after-hours emergency that can be helped on the U.S. side, please call U.S. Consulate in Japan University Police at the number 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku above. Calls can be made to Fukuoka 810-0052 this number 24 hours a day. Telephone: 81-92-751-9331 You may get an answering https://jp.usembassy.gov/emba machine; however, an officer is ssy-consulates/fukuoka/ alerted as soon as you have left your message. Be sure to give the officer the phone number you can be reached at, as well as what type of assistance you require.
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WEB INFORMATION: JAPAN City Nagasaki Travel Guide: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2162.html
Lonely Planet: Nagasaki: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/kyushu/nagasaki
Culture About Japan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japanese Food 101: http://www.japanesefood101.com/ Japanese Culture Guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html JapaneseArt.org: http://www.japaneseart.org/ Country Japan: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/japan Japanese Rail Pass: http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html Lonely Planet: Japan: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan
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Updated: August 2019 jmk