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Arriving

Living in Japan

Eating

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Weekly Schedule

Language classes are offered 5 days a week, in either afternoon or morning sessions, for 4 classroom hours. Students also take part in small class sessions and outside-class study, from 2 to 5 hours per day. Saturdays are reserved for the cultural diversity part of the program, which includes many activities and excursions. You can spend Sundays exploring Tokyo, studying, or in activities with the host families or friends.

Communicating with Family and Friends

There are several ways to keep in touch with friends and family while you are in Tokyo, including email, postal mail, and telephone.

Email
The computer room at KCP includes Internet access, so you can easily access a Hotmail or Yahoo email account.

Postal mail
Have your family and friends send any postal mail to the KCP program site. The address is provided in your student handbook.

Phone
A good way to keep in touch by phone is to purchase a calling card from one of the major long distance telephone companies.


Transportation

Tokyo boasts a truly extensive public transportation system that includes Japan Rail (JR) and private trains, numerous subway systems, and bus service. However, be prepared for a long commute: some business people commute 2 to 4 hours daily. KCP will try to find host families and dormitories as close to the KCP campus as possible, but realize that finding good host families is difficult, and your host family may not be in downtown Tokyo.

The massive web of public transportation may seem overwhelming at first. In time, though, you’ll learn to explore the Tokyo metro area like a native!

Japan has excellent rail access to all areas of the country. Bus service is readily available within Tokyo, and between Tokyo and other major cities. Ferries get you to Japan’s many islands. Taxis are available but expensive. If you have to use a taxi, note that your passenger door will open and close automatically.

In Japan drivers drive on the left side of the road, not the right side as in the U.S.

Do not hitchhike. It is not a common practice in Japan and can be dangerous.


Newspapers

You will not have much trouble finding English-language newspapers and magazines in Tokyo. Many are available at kiosks in train stations throughout Tokyo as well as major bookstores. You can preview the major newspapers by visiting their websites.

Asahi: English    Japanese

Mainichi Shimbun: Japanese

Nikkei: English    Japanese

Japan Times: English

Yomiuri Shimbun: English    Japanese


Money Exchange

Traveler’s Checks can be cashed at banks, but few stores or restaurants will accept them. The money exchange counters at Narita Airport are open from 6:30 am until 11:00 pm.

XE.com Currency Exchange

Cost of Living

The cost of living is higher in Japan than in most other countries. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can get by on a comparable amount of money. Plan for between $20 and $30 a day for food and other personal expenses. (Please note: Breakfasts and dinners are included in the homestay option.) Prices and exchange rates are subject to change.

Here are some sample prices to give you an idea of the cost of living.

Big Mac, large fries, and medium drink (“value meal”)

¥550

Umbrella, economical

¥1,000

Turkey subway sandwich, half

¥390

Sony Walkman

¥8,000-30,000

Turkey subway sandwich, full

¥700

36-exposure film

¥500

House coffee at Starbucks, short

¥250

36-exposure film processing

¥2,000

House coffee at Douters

¥180

First-run movie

¥1,800

Coca Cola from vending machine

¥120

Tokyo Disneyland, one-day passport

¥5,500

Donut at Mr. Donut

¥60-200

One year membership at YMCA

¥2,800

Two-hour all-you-can-eat/drink Shabu Shabu

¥3,000

Round-trip train fare between Tokyo and Kyoto

¥15,660

Obento (box lunch)

¥500

Round-trip night bus between Tokyo and Kyoto

¥14,200

Deodorant

¥500-900

Minimum fee for subway

¥160

Shaving cream, 200g

¥630

Pre-paid cell phone

¥4,800


Working in Japan

You may have career goals that involve returning to Japan to work. Tokyo bookstores and libraries that contain English-language books are often excellent places to find information on work opportunities in Japan which might not be easily available outside of Japan.

Students in an extended program who have received a student visa may apply for permission at the Immigration Office to work part time. It is illegal for students on a tourist visa (who did not formally apply for and receive a student visa) to work in Japan. However, you may wish to use some of your time exploring future opportunities. We caution you to consider your time carefully; if you find that you need all of your time for study, don’t stress yourself further or lessen the benefits of the program by taking on a part-time job.

Visa Requirements

Japan Survival Tips (PDF)




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