InternationalInternational SStudenttudent HANDBOOKHANDBOOK onon StudentStudent LLifeife 2016-20172016-2017 AkitaAkita IInternationalnternational UUniversityniversity 2016.03 Information at a glance AIU Office Directory AIU Administration Office is closed on weekend, national holidays, University Foundation Day (April 8), Summer holidays (August 13 to 15), and Year‐end, New Year's holidays（December 29 to January 3). If you cannot come during weekdays, please contact us by using following e‐mail addresses. Department Telephone E‐mail Academic Affairs 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5930 [email protected] Student Records 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5871 [email protected] Student Services 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5935 [email protected] Counselor 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5957 [email protected] Health & Medical Care 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5926 [email protected] Financial Aid 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5935 [email protected] Housing 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5934 [email protected] International Affairs 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5936 [email protected]（Outbound） 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5937 [email protected]（Inbound） Career Development 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5994 [email protected] Nakajima Library 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5907 [email protected] LDIC 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5815 [email protected] AAC 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5815 [email protected] ICT Office 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5909 [email protected] Research and Community 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5905 [email protected] Outreach Services(RCOS) General Affairs 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5901 [email protected] Planning & PR 018 ‐ 886 ‐ 5932 [email protected] Komachi Hall Office 018 ‐ 881 ‐ 0357 Postal Address for Student Housing Postal address for each student housing as below. You should add your housing name and room number. Komachi Hall 193-3 Aza-Okutsubakidai, Tsubakikawa, Yuwa, Akita City, Akita, 010-1211 Sakura Village 193-17 Aza-Okutsubakidai, Tsubakikawa, Yuwa, Akita City, Akita, 010-1211 Global Village 193-4 Aza-Okutsubakidai, Tsubakikawa, Yuwa, Akita City, Akita, 010-1211 University Village 193-8 Aza-Okutsubakidai, Tsubakikawa, Yuwa, Akita City, Akita, 010-1211 Information at a glance Emergency Contact Numbers Mon-Fri 5 p.m. – 9 a.m. Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat, Sun & Holidays 24 HOURS STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE (Japanese Language Only) 018-886-5934/5866 018-886-5935/5845 018-886-5900 [email protected] KOMACHI HALL OFFICE SECURITY GUARD (Japanese Language Only) (Japanese Language Only) 701(Ext.from Komachi Hall Rooms) 090-5839-6867 018-881-0357 080-1803-5322 KOMACHI HALL OFFICE (Japanese Language Only) 701(Ext.from Komachi Hall Rooms) 018-881-0357 080-1803-5322 FIRE/AMBULANCE KOMACHI HALL RAs 119(Toll Free) 090-5836-0466 Sakura/Global/University Village RAs 080-2800-8971 POLICE 080-2800-8972 110(Toll Free) 018-835-1111 STUDENT AFFAIRS 080-1811-5389 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION ON LIFE IN JAPAN… 1 FACILITIES……………………………………… 22 1. Life as an AIU Student 1. Student Hall 2. Introduction of Akita Prefecture 2. Student Cabin 3. Introduction of Japanese Culture 3. Suda Hall 4. Sports Complex STUDENT LIFE……………………………………… 4 IMMIGRATION………………………………… 26 1. Alcohol 1. Notification of Place of Residence 2. Smoking 2. Work Permit 3. Drugs 3. Residence Card 4. Quietness 4. Period of Stay (Overstaying) 5. Vehicles 5. Extension of Period of Stay 6. Bus Services 6. Special Re-Entry Permit 7. Bicycles 7. Immigration Bureau 8. Wild Animals 9. Student Discount “Gakuwari” 10. Mobile Phone FINANCIAL MATTERS………………………… 34 11. Domestic and International Shipping Service 1. Opening a Bank Account 12. Transcripts and Certificates 2. Closing a Bank Account 13. National Pension 3. Obtaining a Hanko 4. Passbook and ATM Card 14. Leaving Orientation 5. ATMs 6. Receiving a Wire Transfer HOUSING INFORMATION……………………. 10 7. Akita Bank/Post Office near AIU 1. General Information 8. Exchanging Currency 2. Accommodation Periods 9. International Credit /Bank/Debit Card 3. Special Arrangement Request 10. Fees and Payments 4. Housing Change Request 5. Items student have to prepare 6. Address for Student Housing AIU RULES……………………………………… 42 1. AIU Rules For Student Disciplinary Measures 2. Disciplinary Measures Standards Set By The Student Disciplinary Measures Judicial Committee CAFETERIA AND MEAL PLAN………………… 13 1. Cafeteria 2. Meal Plan AIU Campus Map………………… Back Cover HEALTH CARE and SAFETY INFORMATION 16 1. Earthquakes and Fires 2. Sudden Illness, Injury or Psychological Matters 3. Emergency Contact Numbers 4. Safety 5. Health and Medical Care Room 6. Counseling Room 7. National Health Insurance 8. Accident Insurance & Liability Insurance 9. Lost and Found 10. Harassment 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 Prefecture Akita Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Honshu in northern Japan (Tohoku region) and 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 the Oga Peninsula is famous for the “Namahage” and its spectacular landscape. In addition, the Shirakami Mountain Range, located between Akita and Aomori, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and 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. Moreover, 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 Akita Convention & Visitors Bureau http://www.acvb.or.jp/ *Guide maps are Available in English, 簡体中文, 繁體中文 and 한국어. Please click the “Download” Icon on the right hand side of the page. 3. Introduction of Japanese Culture (1) Names As a form of respect, 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. People sometimes call their friends by their first names or nicknames followed by “san,” “kun” or “chan.” 2 (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 around 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 the 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 a good idea to let your partner 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 you do not feel comfortable answering. 3 STUDENT LIFE 4 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 designated smoking areas. If students smoke in their rooms, they will be evicted. Full abidance of this policy is expected.