GUIDEBOOK for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Transcription

1 GUIDEBOOK for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 1. General Information 2. Daily Life in Sendai 3. Tips on Traveling to Sendai 4. Arrival Instructions 5. Transportation from Narita to Sendai 6. Getting to Tohoku University Dormitories 7. Tohoku University Dormitories

2 1. General Information Admission and Tuition Fees There is no application fee for students applying as incoming non-degree exchange students. Tuition fees for the majority of exchange programs are paid to the student s home institution. However, other fees, including mandatory health insurance (School Accident/Personal Liability Insurance) and residence, if applicable, are paid to Tohoku University. Financial Information The monthly cost of living in Sendai is normally 80,000 yen to 100,000 yen. In order to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility you must note your method of support and an amount of support per month of 80,000 to 100,000 yen. That amount should be enough to cover all your expenses in Sendai with no need to work at a part-time job. The amount of initial expenses is shown below and will be charged to you within a few weeks after arrival. Medical Insurance To enroll as an exchange student, all international students are required to have National Health Insurance administrated through the Japanese Government, and Supplementary Personal Liability Insurance and School Accident Insurance administered through the Tohoku University Co-op. Approximate rates are as follows and are subject to change: National Health Insurance 国民健康保険 (mandatory: monthly) 1,900 (Approximately) School Accident Insurance 学生教育研究災害傷害保険 (one time only) For both half and one-year students...science/social Science-related major ( 理 / 文系 ) 1,000 Personal Liability Insurance for Students 学生賠償責任保険 (one time only) Member s fee (Deposit/refundable). 5,000 Science/Social Science related major students (For half year students) ,040 Science/Social Science related major students (For one year students) ,570 Housing University House Sanjo( ユニバーシティ ハウス三条 ) University House Sanjo Ⅱ( ユニバーシティ ハウス三条 Ⅱ) International House Sanjo 1( 国際交流会館三条第一会館 ) International House Sanjo 2( 国際交流会館三条第二会館 ) Please note that a deposit (may be partially-refunded upon leaving depending on damage to room) is required when students accept their offer of residence. Without this deposit, the housing unit cannot be reserved. Note: *Applicants CANNOT choose the type of dormitory. * Your assigned dormitory will be announced by at the beginning of September. *Fees are charged by the month only. You must pay for the entire month. However, fees are calculated by the day only in the first month. Textbook 5,000 and up (depending upon the number of classes you take) Other Fees Class materials, mandatory supplies such as Aikido uniform rental and cleaning, accommodations and other costs associated with field trips, and other miscellaneous expenses.

3 2. Daily Life in Sendai Climate Japan generally has a mild climate. However as the Japanese islands lie along a north-south line and their topographical features vary greatly, the climate differs depending on location. Sendai is located about 350 km northeast of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. More precisely, its exact location (the location of Sendai City Hall) is north and east. Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region. There are many beautiful trees in the downtown area as well as in the surrounding hills. Due to this, Sendai is often called the City of Trees ( Mori no Miyako ). With a number of universities, colleges and junior colleges and a larger percentage of students among its citizens than in most cities of comparable size, it is also well-known as an eminent college town. and the city is frequently likened to Heidelberg, Germany. The average temperature and precipitation are as follows: Jun. Jul./Aug. Jan./Feb. (rainy season) (summer season) (winter season) Average high temperature About Average low temperature Average precipitation 140mm 165mm 45mm 220mm Sep. (typhoon season) Transportation (1)Bus The Sendai Shiei (Sendai City) and Miyagi Kotsu (Miyagi Transportation Co.) bus companies have bus routes throughout Sendai City. There is a minimum charge of 100 yen. (2)Subway Subway trains run along a north-south route (from Tomizawa Station to Izumi Chuo Station), and operate later than bus services. There is a minimum charge of 200 yen. (3)Campus Bus Campus Bus is a free shuttle bus service during the semester for Tohoku University students and staff. Students can take the bus when commuting between school and home, and when going to other campuses for lectures, student activities etc. Emergency Calls Students should remember the following telephone numbers as they will be necessary in case of emergency. The caller should state his/her name, address and any large, nearby, recognizable landmarks (so she/he can be located as soon as possible), when making an emergency call. Police 110 (no area code needed) Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance 119 (no area code needed) Telephone Calls (1) Public Telephones Rates vary according to the distance of the call. For local calls, the rate is 10 yen per 60 seconds. Coins or telephone cards can be used with public telephones. (2) International Telephone calls There are several telephone companies that provide international service. NTT: KDDI: Softbank:

4 3. Tips on Traveling to Sendai Luggage We kindly ask that you send your luggage to the International House Sanjo 1 o r International House Sanjo 2 in advance due to the need for changing trains or buses while traveling to Sendai from inside Japan. If you will be living in International House Sanjo 1, University House Sanjo or Sanjo Ⅱ, the address is: Tohoku University International House Sanjo Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai , JAPAN Tel: If you will be living in International House Sanjo 2, the address is: Tohoku University International House Sanjo Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai , JAPAN Tel: Please write your name and address in readable block letters on the forms when you send your luggage. The dormitory office will keep your luggage for up to one week before your arrival. Bank Information We advise you to bring some cash with you for your initial living expenses since many of the small shops in Sendai and the university facilities do not accept credit cards. (Where accepted, Visa and Master Card may be used in Japan.) Please keep in mind that ATMs normally are operated from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm (at the latest). You will not be able to make late withdrawals during the night hours. Also, there are no ATMs for overseas banks (such as City Bank) in Sendai, and an additional charge will be required to withdraw cash on a credit card. Currency exchange is available at banks in the downtown area. All banks in Sendai are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers will help you open a bank account at the local 77 Bank a few days after your arrival. You may find some inconvenience making bank withdrawals in the first weeks because you can't use ATMs without a cash card and that card will be sent to you some weeks after opening a bank account. You may have to go to the downtown area to withdraw money until then. However, DO NOT bring a large amount of cash with you. There have been cases in the past of exchange students losing their cash just after their arrival in Japan. Volunteer Groups in Sendai There are many volunteer groups to help arriving international students in Sendai. Group Mori ( a Sendaibased volunteer and IPLANET (groups operated by Tohoku University students), have many activities and can support you during your stay in Sendai. Information about Tohoku University You can look at the following site for information about Tohoku University. (Note: some information on the site only applies to regular international students.)

5 4. Arrival Instructions These instructions explain how to arrange your flight to Sendai. Please follow these instructions and submit the required documents on time. 1. Select a day for your arrival in Sendai JYPE & COLABS: September 22 (Mon), 24 (Wed), or 25 (Thu) IPLA: September 24 (Wed), 25 (Thu), or 26 (Fri) * September 23 (Tue) is a National Holiday and all dormitory offices will be closed. * If you arrive in Sendai on September 23 or on the weekend, you need to book a hotel. We strongly recommend that you arrive on one of the designated days, since the schedule before classes is very tight. If you wish to arrive in Sendai on other dates, you should contact the Student Exchange Division by before purchasing the air ticket. 2. Arrange your air tickets and check-in at the International House / University House Sanjo 1. Arrange your flight by yourself. Please be sure to arrange your flight so that you can arrive at the university dorm by 16:00, otherwise you will not be able to check in. See the attached transfer information from Narita to Sendai if you will not fly from Narita to Sendai. 2. Fill out the Arrival Information Sheet and send it back by by August 29 (Fri). 3. Be sure to check-in at the International House / University House Sanjo on your designated date. 3. Get your visa The Student Exchange Division arranges application for the Certificate of Eligibility, which you will need to obtain a visa in your country. We will send it to you as per to the "Personal Information Check Sheet" around the end of August. When you have received it, apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country with the other required materials. Detailed instructions for the visa application will be sent with the certificate. 4. Customs regulations for traveling to Japan Your belongings, even if they are for personal use during your stay in Japan, will be examined at customs, and may be subject to duty depending on their quantity or content. Please check the customs regulations carefully. In Japan, possession of any of the following is prohibited or regulated by law. Do not violate the law or you will be severely punished. PROHIBITED ITEMS: 1. Illegal drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines or marijuana 2. Firearms such as guns 3. Pornography (books/videotapes/dvds) 4. Forged currency 5. Articles that infringe upon intellectual property rights, i.e., counterfeits REGULATED ITEMS: 1. Animals and plants, or related goods listed in the Washington Treaty and the Invasive Alien Species Act 2. Items that require animal and plant quarantine 3. Hunting rifles and swords * The items listed above are major examples of prohibited and regulated items.

6 5. Transportation from Narita to Sendai Narita Airport Narita Airport is located 60 km from central Tokyo and is served by railway and bus links. Two railway companies, JR (Japan Railways) and Keisei Railways, provide transportation to and from the airport. Sendai city is located about 400 km north from Narita Airport, and it takes approximately four hours by express train including the time for transfer. Arrival Procedures & Airport Guide Instructions for arrival procedures are available at this website: Click Arrival & Departure Procedures. You can also download the terminal map at the website above. Fly to Sendai Some airlines operate domestic flights from Narita to Sendai. If you want to check connecting flights, visit the Tokyo Narita Airport Website at and click Connecting Flights. Arriving at Sendai Airport Sendai Airport is located in the south part of Sendai. To get to Sendai s railway station, please take the Sendai Airport Line. You will arrive on the 1 st floor at the airport. Please go up to the 2 nd floor by following the signs and take the overpass to the station. Please purchase a 650-ticket, and get on the next available train to Sendai Station. From the airport to Sendai Station takes about 30 minutes. Time table: Traveling to Sendai by Train Although airplane is the easiest method, trains are another way to get to Sendai from Tokyo. All trains to Sendai are operated by the JR East Railway Company. Get to the Station There are two terminals at Narita Airport and each terminal has its own train station. Check the website for details. You can buy a through ticket from Narita Airport Station to Sendai Station. Take the Nari ta Expr ess f rom Ai r por t Stat i on t o Tokyo JR operates special express trains called the Narita Express. Express trains run from Narita Airport to Major stations in the Tokyo area including Tokyo Station. Tokyo Station is not the final destination, so be sure to get off the train at Tokyo Station. This train has luggage areas designed to accommodate travelers carrying suitcases. From the airport to Tokyo, it takes about 60 minutes. Purchase Tickets Since you will need to transfer from the Narita Express to the Tohoku Shinkansen at Tokyo station, it will be easier for you to purchase tickets all the way to Sendai. However, if you buy a non-reserved ticket, you may not be able to find a seat on the train if it is full. The total fee is about 13,700 yen (about 13,000 yen for non-reserved seat) Train name From To Narita Express Airport Terminal - Tokyo Tohoku Shinkansen Tokyo - Sendai Tr ansfer t o Tohoku Shi nkansen at Tokyo Stati on Tokyo Station is a little complicated. Follow the signs or ask someone how to get to the Tohoku Shinkansen platform. From Tokyo to Sendai, it takes about two hours. For more information about the Tohoku Shinkansen, visit Search for a Route

7 6. Getting to Tohoku University Dormitories Getting to the university dormitory from Sendai station is a little bit complicated for new students. We strongly recommend you to take a taxi from Sendai station. Please tell the address or show this paper to the driver. Tohoku University International House Sanjo 1 University House Sanjo University House Sanjo Ⅱ Tohoku University International House Sanjo 2 Sendai Station Student Exchange Division (Kawauchi-Kita Campus) By Taxi: (Time: about 20mins, Fees: about 2,000JPY) Please show this paper to the driver. International House Sanjo 1( 国際交流会館三条第一会館 ) University House Sanjo( ユニバーシティ ハウス三条 ) University House Sanjo Ⅱ( ユニバーシティ ハウス三条 Ⅱ) Address: 19-1 Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku,Sendai ( 仙台市青葉区三条町 19-1) TEL: Message to the driver: 東北大学国際交流第一会館へ行きたいです 住所は 仙台市青葉区三条町 19-1 です 東北福祉大学前の入り口側へお願いします International House Sanjo 2( 国際交流会館三条第二会館 ) Message to the driver: Address: Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku,Sendai ( 仙台市青葉区三条町 10-15) TEL: 東北大学国際交流第二会館へ行きたいです 住所は仙台市青葉区三条町 です 三条中学校の近くです By Bus: (Time: about 30 mins, Fees: JPY 230) Sendai Station Bus Stop No. 24, 25 Route 899, 999 [How to use Sendai buses] International HouseSanjo 1 University House Sanjo University House Sanjo Ⅱ Get off at Tohoku Fukushi Daigakumae ( 東北福祉大前 ) International HouseSanjo 2 Get off at Kitayma sanchome or Sanjomachi ( 北山三丁目または三条町 )

8 International House Sanjo 1( 国際交流会館三条第一会館 ) University House Sanjo( ユニバーシティ ハウス三条 ) University House Sanjo Ⅱ( ユニバーシティ ハウス三条 Ⅱ) Address: 19-1 Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, ( 仙台市青葉区三条町 19-1) Closest Bus Stop: Tohokufukushidai Mae 0.3 km Closest Station (JR Senzan Line): Kitayama Station 1.2 km Tohokufukushidai-mae Station 1.0 km To: Kawauchi Campus : 2.5 km Aobayama Campus : 4.0 km Katahira Campus : 4.5 km Sendai Station : 4.5 km International House Sanjo 2( 国際交流会館三条第二会館 ) Address: Sanjo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, ( 仙台市青葉区三条町 10-15) International House Sanjo 2 is about 500 m from International House Sanjo 1. Closest Bus Stop: Kitayama Sanchome 2-minute walk Sanjo machi 2-minute walk Closest Station (JR Senzan Line): Kitayama Station 15-minute walk

9 7. Tohoku University Dormitories University House Sanjo University House Sanjo is a dormitory where Japanese students and foreign students live together in 8 bedroom apartment style units. About room and unit type: Room type: Single Type A = Shared common room (for single students) (Toilet, sink, shower room are located in common area) Type B = Private Room (for master and doctoral students) (Toilet, sink, shower room are located in private room) -Common Equipment in Open Livingroom; Kitchen*, electric stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, rice cooker, table, chair, TV, vacuum cleaner, iron, ironing board, bulletin board, clock, trash bin *Basic kitchenware is provided by the University. Prepare your own kitchenware if you cannot share it due to religious reasons. Housing fee: Type A Type B Monthly rent 9,700 yen 10,000 yen Common-area charge 2,500 yen 3,100 yen Rental deposit 30,000 yen (Damage to facilities will be repaired with this money. The rest of the amount will be refunded when you vacate the dorm) Floor plan * Gas, electricity, water and phone charges not included. * Housing fee is charged by the month only. * You must pay for the entire month. However the fee is calculated by the day only in the first month. * You will need to pay all fees (monthly rent, common-area charge, and rental deposit) when you move into University House Sanjo. (10 m2 ) (13 m2 )

10 Optional services: The housing office in University House Sanjo will accept your inquiries about optional services after you arrive in Japan. -Internet Service -Rental Appliances Service -Meal Service: Serves a catering style breakfast and dinner (Japanese food only, no service on holidays and Summer, Winter, Spring Vacations set by the University) *You can't bring in electrical home appliances or furniture. (Except for compact appliances and PCs) *All meals include rice and pickled vegetables Note: Due to other summer programs, University House Sanjo will not be available after the closing ceremony of the program at the beginning of August. Thus you may stay at UHS until around August 15. If you wish to stay after that, for self study, individual research training or study purposes only, please contact the Student Exchange Division in advance. University House Sanjo Ⅱ Housing fee: TYPE Floorspace No. of Rooms University House Sanjo Ⅱis mainly for graduate students. -Room deposit: JPY 30,000 -Does not include electricity, water, and gas fees. Rental Fee (Monthly) Maintenance Fee (Monthly) Single Room 12 m2 135 JPY 18,000 JPY 2,500 Furnishings: wardrobe, bookshelf, study desk, bed (includes bedding), air conditioner Shared facilities: kitchen (IH stove, refrigerator, microwave, kitchen knife, cutting board), dining table, washing machine, dryer, vacuum cleaner, iron, TV, shower-room, toilets Tohoku University, University House Sanjo 19-1, Sanjo machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai , Japan TEL: (University House Sanjo) TEL: (University House Sanjo Ⅱ) Office hours: Monday-Friday 7:00am-9:00pm (Except holidays & New Year Vacation)

11 International House Sanjo 1 International House Sanjo1 is a dormitory for students and researchers from abroad. Room type: Single (See the floor plan.) (Shower room, bathroom and laundry room are located in each floor s common space) Housing fee: Single Monthly rent 6,900 yen / month * Gas, electricity and water charges are excluded. * Housing fee is counted by the month only. * You must pay for the entire month. However the fee is calculated by the day only in the first month. * You must pay in advance. * Please prepare fees for September and October when you move in. Floor plan Equipment Heater Cup board Kitchen range Refrigerator Desk Bed Dining table Sink Closet Tohoku University International House 19-1, Sanjo machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai , Japan Tel: Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. (Except holidays & New Year Vacation)

12 Tohoku University International House Sanjo 2 Housing fee: TYPE Floorspace No.of Rooms Rental Fee (Monthly) Single 16 m2 93 JPY 22,800 Single room(16 m2 ): A modular bath, desk, Book shelf, closet, bed, a hot water dispenser, Air conditioning, refrigerator There are a microwave and electric pot in the common dining room and a washer and dryer in the common laundry room (for single room residents). Use oil/gas heaters portable gas stoves, and all other gas/oil-burning equipment is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. No smoking inside of the building Tohoku University International House , Sanjo machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai , Japan Tel: Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. (Except holidays & New Year Vacation)

13 Optional Services: -Internet Service: The housing office will accept your inquiries after you arrive in Japan. -Bedding: Rooms at International House Sanjo 1 and International House Sanjo 2 don t include bedding. The Student Exchange Division can arrange a set of rental bedding for those who need it, for 6 months or a year. Rental fee: 10,500 JPY for 6 months from your move-in date 15,750 JPY for a year from your move-in date Includes: coverlet (futon), mattress, blanket, pillow, sheets, futon cover, pillowcase -No meal plans (there s no cafeteria in the dorm either.) All students need to prepare meals by themselves. Inquiry Please direct all inquiries concerning Student Exchange Programs to the following JYPE & COLABS studyab@bureau.tohoku.ac.jp IPLA ipla@bureau.tohoku.ac.jp We respond to inquiries during business hours in the order they are received. Please note that we may not be able to respond to all inquiries and that certain requests may require more time than others. Thank you for your understanding. Please make sure to write your full name and program (JYPE,COLABS,IPLA) in the title of when you write to us.