EXCHANGE/STUDY ABROAD STUDENT HANDBOOK 2015-2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION ON LIFE IN JAPAN…. 1 4. Safety 1. Life as an AIU Student 5. Health and Medical Care Room 2. Introduction of Akita 6. Counseling Room 3. Introduction of Japan 7. National Health Insurance 8. Accident Insurance & Liability Insurance 9. Lost and Found STUDENT LIFE……………………………………...... 3 10. Harassment 1. Alcohol 2. Smoking 3. Drugs UNIVERSITY FACILITIES……………………….. 28 4. Vehicles 1. Student Hall 5. Bus Services 2. Student Cabin 6. Bicycles 3. Suda Hall 7. Student Discount “Gakuwari” 4. Sports Complex 8. Mobile Phone 9. Domestic and International Shipping Service IMMIGRATION…………………………………… 31 10. Transcripts and Certificates 1. Notification of Place of Residence 11. National Pension 2. Work Permit 12. Leaving Orientation 3. Residence Card 4. Period of Stay (Overstaying) HOUSING INFORMATION…………………………. 7 5. Extension of Period of Stay 1. General Information 6. Special Re-Entry Permit 2. Accommodation Periods 7. Immigration Bureau 3. Special Arrangement Request 4. Housing Change Request FINANCIAL MATTERS…………………………... 35 5. Healthy Roommate Relationship 1. Opening a Bank Account 6. Laundry Facilities 2. Closing a Bank Account 7. Bedding Rental 3. Obtaining a Hanko 8. Garbage Collection Sites 4. Passbook and ATM Card 9. AIU Student Housing at a Glance 5. ATMs 10. Regulations of Komachi Hall 6. Receiving a Wire Transfer 11. Guidelines for AIU Student Housing 7. Akita Bank near AIU 8. Exchanging Currency CAFETERIA AND MEAL PLAN…………………... 20 9. International Credit /Bank/Debit Card 1. Cafeteria 10. Fees and Payments 2. Meal Plan 3. Prepaid Meal Cards AIU RULES………………………………………… 41 1. AIU Rules For Student Disciplinary Measures HEALTH CARE and SAFETY INFORMATION… 23 2. Disciplinary Measures Standards Set By The Student 1. Earthquakes and Fires Disciplinary Measures Judicial Committee 2. Sudden Illness, Injury or Psychological Matters 3. Emergency Contact Numbers GENERAL INFORMATION ON LIFE IN JAPAN 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ON LIFE IN JAPAN 1. Life as an AIU Student Once enrolled in Akita International University (AIU), you become not only a member of AIU but also a resident of Akita. In daily life and in the community, AIU students are members of a public university and expected to actively participate in various events. Therefore, please be conscious of your behavior and your roles as a ‘student’ and ‘ambassador’ of AIU in the community and in Japan. Participation in community service and international exchange programs is not only a valuable contribution but also an enriching experience for students. 2. Introduction of Akita Akita Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Honshu in northern Japan (Tohoku region) and it is approximately 450 km from Tokyo. Facing the Sea of Japan, Akita is the sixth largest prefecture, with an area of 11,636 square kilometers - almost 5.3 times the size of Tokyo. According to the latest census (February 1, 2015) Akita’s population is 1,032,823. Akita has abundant landmarks. Lake Tazawa is known as the deepest lake in Japan, and Oga Peninsula is famous for “Namahage” and its spectacular landscape. The Shirakami Mountain Range, located between Akita and Aomori, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mt. Chokai, located between Akita and Yamagata, is the 2nd highest mountain in the Tohoku region. There are also many hot springs (onsen) in Akita and various festivals in the summer and winter. And the Kanto Festival, held in August every year, is one of the three biggest festivals in Tohoku. Akita is a place where people can enjoy their stay during all four seasons. For more information on Akita, please visit the below websites. Akita Comprehensive Tourism Guide http://www.akitafan.com/en/index.html *Available in English, 簡体中文, 繁體中文 and 한국어 Akita – Prefectural Guide http://www.pref.akita.jp/koho/foreign/en/index.html *Available in English, 簡体中文, 繁體中文, 한국어 and Русский Bi-no-Kuni Akita Unending Enchantment http://common.pref.akita.lg.jp/koho *Available in English, 簡体中文, 繁體中文, 한국어 and Русский 3. Introduction of Japan (1) Names Most Japanese people address others using their family name followed by “san” (Mr./Miss/Mrs.). “Sensei” (literally, “teacher,” is used to address not only professors but also physicians, politicians, etc.), or the title of the person being addressed. People sometimes call their friends by their first names or nicknames followed by “san,” “kun” or “chan.” (2) Sempai and Kohai Relationships There is a special hierarchical relationship between “Sempai” (seniors: anyone who is older) and “Kohai” (juniors: anyone who is younger) in Japan. Interpersonal relationships are formed in consideration of age; professional relationships are formed in consideration of age and years of experience; and in clubs and schools, from elementary school through university, attention to the sempai-kohai relationship influences the development of character-building and human relationships. It is considered important in Japan to show respect to senior members of a group, which may help to explain why the use of “honorific terms” and “humble forms” play such important roles in Japanese language. (3) Dating People’s perspectives on dating patterns, sexual relationships, heterosexual and homosexual relationships, and marriage are often influenced by their cultural backgrounds. If you are involved in a relationship with a person from a different country or region, it might be best to let the person know what your intentions are to avoid any confusion. In order to prevent unnecessary embarrassment or serious problems, learn and be respectful of cultural and personal differences relating to sexual relationships and personal space. (4) Privacy Issues regarding privacy differ from country to country, and some international students may feel that their privacy is compromised in Japan. For example, a Japanese person may ask ‘personal’ questions regarding your age or marital status soon after you meet him/her. This is a kind of trial of “intimacy” in Japanese society. In a country where seniority is respected and where the language one uses reflects the speaker’s positions “vis-à-vis” the listener, the speaker may be trying to understand how best to address you. However, you need not answer questions which you do not feel comfortable answering. 2 STUDENT LIFE 3 STUDENT LIFE 1. Alcohol Japanese law prohibits people under the age of 20 from consuming alcohol. Students are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol in Komachi Hall, including the Komachi Lobby, Cafeteria, and campus facilities except in designated areas. Full abidance of this policy is expected. Any violation will result in disciplinary action. Advance application and approval from the Director of Student Affairs is required for any event involving alcohol. [Permitted Areas] Student Cabin College Café (Bar time only) Student Center in Student Hall Recreation Space in Student Hall Inside rooms of Sakura Village, Global Village, and University Village 2. Smoking Japanese law prohibits people under the age of 20 from smoking. AIU prohibits students from smoking anywhere on campus except in the designated areas. If students smoke in their rooms, they will be evicted from their rooms. Full abidance of this policy is expected. Any violation will result in disciplinary action. [Permitted Areas] Smoking area outside of Komachi Lobby Smoking area on the side of the north parking lot of Global Village Smoking room in the corridor, connecting A building and E building Smoking area outside corner of the west-side entrance of B building Smoking area between A building and Sakura Village 3. Drugs Japanese law prohibits possession, consumption, and distribution of illicit drugs such as marijuana and stimulants. People who violate the law will be severely punished in Japan. Violators can expect to be arrested, and foreign nationals could be permanently deported from Japan. Severe punishments will also be applied by AIU for students who have used and/or possessed illegal drugs, herbs, etc. 4. Vehicles Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited by Japanese law. In drunk driving cases, both the driver and fellow passengers will be fined or imprisoned. Allowing a drunk driver to drive your vehicle or offering a drink to the driver will also result in a fine or imprisonment. Mobile phone use while driving is also prohibited. Please note that exchange/study abroad students are not allowed to own a vehicle (car, motorcycle, and/or scooter) while at AIU. If you drive a rental car, please make sure that you have accurate knowledge of the Japanese traffic rules and abide by the driving laws and regulations set by the National Police Agency. Safe Driving Brochure Published by the National Police Agency: http://www.npa.go.jp/annai/license_renewal/english.pdf *Available in English 5. Bus Services Public transportation is available from AIU to JR Wada station and to AEON Mall Akita. Both lines cost ¥160 each way. You pay the bus fare in cash or with a coupon ticket called “basuken” into a collection machine by the bus driver when you get off the bus. A coupon ticket book worth ¥1,100 can be purchased in cash from the SAMPLE SAMPLE bus driver for ¥1,000. For bus schedules, please visit the AIU website. And in general, when boarding and disembarking a bus, enter from the rear door and get off from the front. 6. Bicycles Be careful about illegal parking with your bicycle. If you park your Coupon Ticket Book bicycle in a no-parking zone, it will be taken to an impound lot in Akita City and you must pay a fine to get it back. Lock and park your bicycle in the designated parking areas of each AIU student housing. Bicycle theft prevention registration is recommended which may increase the likelihood of stolen 4 bicycles being found by the police. You can register your bicycle at any bicycle shop. The registration fee is ¥500 and effective for 10 years.