August 25, 2015
"The More You Know" - A Public Announcement From a JET
Hi everyone! It's Teresa again.
In one week, it's going to be officially one month since I landed in Narita International Airport and started my JET adventures with Seiritsu Gakuen.
In one concise sentence, things have been proceeding extremely well! I moved into my apartment last week and it's a beautiful 2DK that I initially thought was a tiny living area for me and my fiancé. After settling down with my suitcases and my furniture though, I am in love with my space. I actually find it quite large as it is a 45 m2 apartment. Most of my JET friends have an apartment that is around 20 m2. I feel blessed to have found such a beautiful apartment that is not too far from Seiritsu Gakuen.
For those thinking about an international move, specifically a move to Tokyo, Japan, I have a few tips for what to do before your flight:
a) start researching whether your phone is compatible to the LTE bands in Japan
b) start researching phone plans you desire
⁃ (I started researching the summer before arriving and found a monthly plan for \1,600.)
c) start researching areas you would like to live in
d) start contacting real estate agencies on Gaijin Pot, for example, for apartments in areas you want to live in
⁃ (Some agencies do not have fees!)
e) contact your supervisor if possible!
Read Laurence's post for tips that apply to your first month in Japan.
These are the few simple tips that would save you money! It is so important to research. Knowledge is key!
I am quite happy and proud to have researched because I saved about \6,000 from only my monthly phone bills. I saved much more by finding a large and amazing apartment in a nice area with a low rental fee. You can save too if you research and network and learn from others. C:
Ciao!