Entry to the country – dormitory
Upon arrival in Japan, students will be placed in a dormitory designated by the school. Generally, 2-3 students per room will be assigned.
Various procedures
After entering the dormitory, the following procedures will be carried out.
City Hall Move-in Procedures
The “Residence Card” issued at the time of landing does not contain an address in Japan, so it cannot yet be used as an official identification card. You must go to the city hall of the area where you reside and complete the “moving-in procedure” at the Citizen’s Division to have your address written on the back of your residence card.
At this time, you will be enrolled in the National Health Insurance system, and your health insurance card will be mailed to you by registered mail. In some cases, the post office will not be able to deliver the card without going through the residence verification process, due to the circumstances of the foreigner’s name and the fact that he/she has just moved in. Based on the guidance of the post office, we will ensure that you receive your health insurance card by notifying them of your change of residence confirmation by diverting the “Notification of Change of Address” form.
Application to open a Japan Post Bank account
International students cannot open bank accounts at so-called megabanks, city banks, regional banks, shinkin banks, or other financial institutions when they first arrive in Japan. They are required to open an account at Japan Post Bank in order to receive remittances for school expenses, settle living expenses, and receive salaries from part-time jobs.
So far, with the help of seniors at the Japanese language school, I have visited post offices in my area to open bank accounts. However, due to the new coronavirus and recent changes in social conditions, it has become very difficult to open an account at a Japan Post Bank counter. Therefore, our teachers are guiding and supporting students to open an account by using the Japan Post Bank account opening application.
Cell phone contract
International students often bring the smartphone they used in their home country, but they will need to sign up for a SIM card that can be used in Japan. The cell phone contract is made based on the residence card with the address endorsed after the transfer procedure is completed and the information on the Japan Post Bank account. If the opening of the bank account goes smoothly, it usually takes about a week to complete the cell phone contract and be able to use the smartphone.
Contracts for electricity, gas, water, etc.
Contracts for electricity, gas, water, etc. vary depending on the dormitory where the students live. We will instruct you in detail so that you do not miss any billing or payment. However, it is difficult to understand everything when you first arrive in Japan, so we will help you with the procedures with the support of your teachers and other senior students who are currently enrolled in the school.
Part-time-job
International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week (up to 40 hours per week during long vacations in accordance with the school regulations) by obtaining permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence. For about a month after classes begin, the first priority is to get used to studying and living at the Japanese language school. While preparing your resume and other necessary documents (residence card with your personal number), you will find a part-time job and start working.
Since the rules on time limits for part-time work are very strict, the Immigration and Residence Management Agency and the university or vocational school where you are going to study will ask you to submit a copy of your bank account and a copy of your part-time job payslip. Part-time job payslips come in a variety of formats, from paper or printed on envelopes to image data or PDF data delivered via the Web.
Class Attendance
Your attendance record at the Japanese language school will have a significant impact on the renewal of your visa status and your career path. We instruct our students to take good care of their physical condition on a daily basis and to be as unexcused as possible. In order to help students adjust to Japanese society as quickly as possible, the school ensures that students are never absent without prior notice, and if there are circumstances, we will make sure to contact students in advance by phone or other means.
日本学校での生活〜卒業
Life at Japanese School – Graduation
In order to monitor the health status of international students, the school conducts periodic medical examinations. In accordance with the guidance of the Immigration and Immigration Bureau, the results of the examinations are kept at the school, and if a reexamination is necessary, the student is informed and encouraged to undergo further examination and treatment.
Conducting student interviews
International students may encounter unexpected problems in their daily lives. We provide opportunities to meet with students individually to discuss any problems they may be experiencing in their studies, finances, personal relationships, or part-time jobs.
Renewal of status of residence
The school will take care of the renewal procedure of your status of residence. The application form and supporting documents are prepared and submitted to the Immigration and Residence Management Agency. The period of time for which renewal is granted may vary depending on the student’s grades, attendance, payment of tuition fees, etc.
Guidance counseling
In their sophomore year, international students consider which universities and vocational schools to apply to based on the information they have obtained through school information sessions and open campuses. As part of our career guidance, we provide guidance on application forms and interviews in preparation for entrance examinations. Students usually attend open campuses between May and July, and the application rush begins in August and September after the summer vacation.
Graduation
If the student meets the requirements for grades and attendance rate, etc., he/she is considered a prospective graduate and will receive a diploma and graduation certificate at the graduation ceremony. Usually the graduation ceremony is held around March 15, but if the university or vocational school you are going to is far away, you will be very busy with moving and other procedures. It is important to check that there are no omissions in the procedures that need to be completed.
