My studies abroad will start in March, and I will attend Momoyama Gakuin Daigaku starting 21th of March. I am planning on arriving in Japan at the first possible date which is 13th of March. This gives me time to settle at my apartment and look around the neighborhood.
Before my departure, I still have several things to be taken care of. I want to be well prepared and ready!
1. Research Your Destination
I’ve been to Japan twice before this, but Osaka will be completely new area for me. My earlier visits to Japan where in Tokyo and Chiba. I am excited about this opportunity to discover new places and get to know the local customs!
Even though I’m excited to learn new things when I’m Japan, it doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t do research before my arrival.
- Language: My Japanese language skills are between N4 and N3. I’m currently freshening up my skills and trying to learn new vocabulary, grammar and kanji. I’ve tried to learn some kansai-ben too, so I’m not completely clueless when people talk to me.
- Transportation: This was one of the first things I had to check. Since I’ve already been to Japan twice, I have Suica card which I used to pay my train tickets. I wanted to know if Osaka had their own version or if I could still use my own Suica. In Osaka they have similar card but it’s named Icoca.
2. Sort Out Your Documentation
I started getting my necessary documents in order the moment I got accepted as a nominee. I will write a more detailed post about the procedure of me applying for my exchange studies.
- Passport: My passport was old which made the whole renewal a hassle. My passport was around 5 years old, so I had to do a secure authentication again. This meant that I had to take new pictures, visit police station and pick up the passport from the police station. Me and the official had a little laugh while doing my authentication since my passport was old. I had to give her my old passport, my social security card and drivers license.
- Visa: I’m still waiting to do my visa application, since I need to wait for my Certificate of Eligibility from Momoyama. It will arrive according the estimate in February. I’ve checked which visa to apply for and all the necessary documents it needs.
- Important Documents: I have a folder with clear pockets where I store all the important and necessary documents. This way I can have all of them in one place for the time I need them. For me, easy access is important since I’m importing my personal medication!
- Medication: If you need to bring medication with you like I do, you need to apply for a ”Yunyu Kakunin-sho”. Here you can find more information regarding bringing medication to Japan.
3. Plan Your Finances
I am staying in Japan for one semester, so I need to carefully plan my money. Before I do a estimate of my expenses and I’m planning to keep a record of them. This way I can see and share how much my studies abroad cost me in total!
- Currency Exchange: In my experience Japan prefers cash over cards but don’t quote me on this. This why I change a lot of money to yen before I leave, so I have enough to cover my expenses upon arrival.
- Create a Budget: I have already created a budget for myself, but I will update it as I know actual numbers!
- Emergency Funds: Set aside a small amount for unexpected expenses.
- Scholarships and Grants: It is important to research and apply for any financial aid available for international students.
4. Health and Wellness
It is important to take care of your health before departure. Consider the following:
- Vaccinations: Check if your destination requires specific vaccinations. I asked from Finnish Student Health Services which vaccines I should take before. I’ve been getting vaccinations since last semester to get all of them in time. Below the vaccinations I took as a precaution.
- Hepatitis AB (This is the second time I take all three since my records were lost between 2012-2015). This has 3 shots.
- Japanese encephalitis. This has 2 shots.
- Meningitis. This had one shot.
- Prescriptions: Bring enough medication for the duration of your stay, along with a doctor’s note. Also, remember the Yunyu Kakunin-sho.
- Mental Health: As someone that has medication for mental health issues. It is important to plan how to maintain your own mental well-being. For me doing art and visiting pretty places is a way to handle stress. It’s also important to stay connected with loved ones! Me and my boyfriend have already made plans how we can spend time with each other during this time.
By ticking off these steps, I’ll be closer to a fulfilling and memorable study abroad experience. Bon voyage!
Kazahana Study 
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