Returning Home
1.Pre-Departure Checklist
(1) University:
- Complete departure procedures at the office of your School by the specified date.
- Obtain items such as your official academic transcript, course completion certificate, university diploma, etc.
- Meet with your academic advisor, international student advisor and the administrative staff at your school and inform them of your departure plans and contact address after leaving.
- Return your Co-op membership card and collect your deposit money.
- Obtain information on the Nagoya University Alumni Association.
(2) Housing:
- Inform your housing manager/landlord of your moving date. (About one month's notice for private accommodation depending on the contract, and at least two weeks' notice for university housing.) Pay any outstanding rent, gas, electricity and water bills.
- Clean your living quarters thoroughly and remember to take out your garbage and put it in the specified area. Large waste and recyclable refuse should be disposed correctly with scheduling in several month advance.
- If you have registered for the Joint Surety Service for Residential Leases of Nagoya University International Student Service Association, you should go to the International Student Exchange Division and submit the documents necessary to nullify the Joint Surety Service. Also, in the event that the period of JEES Housing Insurance is not due to expire, please submit a copy of your bank passbook to receive a reimbursement.
(3) Ward Office:
- In case you move to another city or country, cancel your national health insurance membership, return the membership certificate and settle your payments at your ward office several days before your departure.
- If you have applied for the Japanese National Pension System, cancel the membership showing the booklet of certificate.
(4) Other:
- Express your appreciation to those people who assisted in making your stay in Japan a more pleasant one (home-stay family etc.).
- Cancel your bank/postal account. In case you move inside Japan, change your registered address at the bank/post office. Take your account book and cash card to the office where you hold the account (opening hours: Until 15:00 at banks/until 16:00 at post offices), and complete the procedures in person. If you expect to receive payments into, or withdrawals from your account after your departure from Japan, then leave the account open. Ask a friend in advance to withdraw the money on your behalf (using your cash card), and to send it to you.
- If you have a mobile phone or use an Internet service, cancel the contract and settle the final payment in person. If you move inside Japan, change the registered address at the relevant company. If you have to ask a friend to do so on your behalf, enquire at the shop regarding necessary documentation in advance
In case you stay in Japan for future study or employment
- Change your residence status in advance at the Immigration Bureau, according to the future approved activity.
In case you leave Japan
- Keep your alien registration certificate with your passport. You will be asked to return it at the point of your departure.
2.Going Home Q & A
(1) Q. “How do I send my personal belongings home?"
A. The Post Office operates three types of mail service: Airmail, economy air (SAL) mail, and surface mail. Airmail is the fastest, but also most expensive service. Using surface mail is comparatively cheap, but, depending on distance, it may take one to two months for your belongings to reach their destination. If you wish to receive your parcel both relatively quickly and cheaply, then economy air (SAL) mail is to be recommended. It takes approximately ten days for parcels to reach Asian countries, and two or three weeks for them to reach Europe or North America.
International mail:
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/index.html (Japan Post)
You can also contact courier companies for their special deals on overseas delivery.
(2) Q. “How many pieces of luggage can I check in?"
A. It depends on the airline company and the purpose of the travel. Contact the airline company directly for specifications regarding the maximum size and weight of the luggage, restricted items, etc.
(3) Q. “Should I give gifts to my academic advisor and friends before I leave Japan?"
A. No, it is not necessary. A postcard or a letter from your country after your return is always appreciated, however.
(4) Q. “Is there anything particular that I should be aware of?"
A. Some people have a hard time getting back to the way they used to think and behave. They experience “reverse culture shock", reverse usually unexpectedly. You are advised to think about and summarize similarities and differences between Japan and your nation before you go home. Readaptation takes time and effort.
