First Month Checklist
With lessons suspended until September, you may find yourself with a lot of time at your desk. Make it productive. Within your first month you should:
- Register with your embassy.
- Get a re-entry permit.
- Network-with fellow JETs and Japanese people in your community; accept invitations, go to parties.
- Establish relationships with colleagues (i.e. start conversations and give omiyage/cookies).
- Have the following items on your person, as any or all are required for various paperwork (i.e. signing up for mobile phone service):
- Inkan (personal seal)
- Foreign registration card
- Passport
- Your apartment and work addresses, in English and Japanese
- Bankbook
- Insurance card
- Set goals
- Financial (budget, savings, debt management; you should not leave JET broke)
- Personal (language, hobbies/interests)
- Professional (teaching skills, knowledge of English grammar, overall career direction)
- Travel (destinations, festivals)
- Check out Fukuoka NOW, an excellent international resource for those living in Fukuoka.


