What should I do during a two week trip to feel out a move?

5 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **What should I do during a two week trip to feel out a move?**

   I’m considering moving from NYC to Tokyo next April to attend a Japanese language school (ISI for business) for one or two years, with the intention of potentially finding a job and staying long term after. I’m thinking it’s a good idea to visit again for a few weeks this Fall to feel out the situation. Any recommendations for what I should do during those two weeks to help me feel out whether it would be a good move? I’ve been to Japan once before for a few weeks, but that was just like an actual vacation, doing all the touristy things and what not.

   Here are my current ideas:

   * I will definitely go visit the school and try to sit in on a class. I was thinking that ideally I would want to attend a Japanese class during that time but it doesn’t seem like short term classes are an option.
   * Do something community related for my hobby, for instance I like photography so trying to go to a local photography club.
   * Go to concerts/jazz clubs (something I like to do now).
   * Going to a meetup for international residents.

   Any other ideas?

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2. See, understand, and internalize the [address system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_addressing_system). You can read about it, look at maps, and see pictures, but I think it helps to actually walk around and learn to spot the signs you use to identify areas, streets, and buildings.

3. I always like to explore potential liveable neighbourhoods before a move to get a feel for them. Since you have a specific school in mind, check out what neighbourhoods are convenient to your school and explore those. Walk around, grab a coffee/beer/whatever in a cafe. Checkout the things that are important to make your life comfortable there. For me it’s grocery stores, conbini, drugstores, restaurants and a decent place to grab a cup of coffee. Transport is also personally important as I hate having to transfer to get to places I go often. Check out the vibe and see if can imagine yourself living there. Good luck and have a great trip!

4. Take the train in any direction for at least 44 minutes. Get off. Shop at a supermarket.

   Do the same again, but in the evening. There are yellow labels.

   Simulate a ward office visit by visiting a ward office, waiting 52 minutes, then leaving empty handed anyway.

   Identity where all of the shops are. All of them.

   Patronise *Cafe Crumpets*.

   Round up with an evening of **TAKARAZUKA!!**

5. The following of what I am going to write is not meant to discourage you but rather make aware the maybe not so often talked about realities about emigrating to a new country. Things that are maybe not glamorous but need some consideration as part of being organized and prepared for a major life change.

   You should probably figure out what an acceptable standard of living is for yourself. How much you can subsist on realistically and if it fits with your savings plan. Believe me, a savings will always go a long way when it matters most

   You should ask your school if they help you find a job / figure out what kind of part-time jobs you can participate in under your student visa / school policies, how much you can work / make, and if they do not provide assistance how others tend to find jobs.

   You should also ask your school what kind of expenses students typically incur are. Such as social obligations like health care and if they help you get situated with that or if you have to register yourself at town /city hall. Likely their admissions staff has a cost of living breakdown. It’s very generalized usually so use it as a guideline not gospel.

   You should also figure out your banking situation. If you work part time here, I’m not sure many companies will deposit into a foreign bank account. They may, but I don’t know from experience. You may need to open a bank account here. Note you may experience difficulty being approved for a credit card. If you will use your home country banking situation, can you reliably and timely transfer funds in case of emergency / sudden and unexpected situations?

   If you take any specialized medication, you should take some time to find out if you can still get the same medication or a suitable substitute. Note that some medication that may be over the counter or you have a prescription for may not be allowed to be shipped here.

   You should get an idea for what your housing situation will be. Does the school provide dormitories? How much is it? How do they like being paid, what utilities are included etc.

   If you’re going to figure your own housing situation out, how will you go about it? Do you have an understanding of the fees associated and required upfront when renting. Which are negotiable (I.e. agency fees etc). Also note that key money or 礼金 is often given to the landlord and you will not be getting this back. It is also separate from a deposit).

   You mentioned you are thinking of moving here long term. I would get an idea about what career paths are open to you. Healthcare, It, hospitalities, sales, etc they all have different levels of ease and pre-reqs that can pose as barriers of entry. Will you have the qualifications to compete for jobs? Depending on the industry and your qualifications you may be facing a competitive job market. Despite their honeyed words, I wouldn’t count on a recruiter to be much help unless your resume or portfolio is very competitive. On that note, I would also begin thinking of what your transition is going to look like after being a student.

   As I said, while the things in this list may seem intimidating they are important logistics to consider. Of course, many throw caution to the wind and will in someway or form land on their feet, but some level of preparation is more responsible and will afford you a smoother transition. Best of luck!