Departing the JET Programme *Please follow along with your copy of the Fukuoka JET Returners Handbook 2011 April 18, 2011 Fukuoka ALT Meeting Presented by Alexander Blamberg

Visa (pp )  You must leave Japan before your visa expires  1 st & 2 nd years – likely valid beyond contract  3 rd years – likely expiring this summer  4 th & 5 th years – probably valid beyond contract

Visa pt. 2  Valid visa ≠ OK to stay –Automatic 90 day sightseeing allowance  Expiring visa → Apply for temporary visa  Must leave within 30 days to receive airfare

Insurance (p. 9)  National Health Insurance –Expires same day as contract –Must submit insurance card to CO  JET Accident Insurance Policy –Valid until you leave Japan or August 31

Salary  Final paycheck in July –July 21 for most JETs –Includes salary for days worked in August –Return airfare  Final Statement of Earnings –(gensen choushuuhyou 源泉徴収表 ) –Necessary for filing taxes in home country

Return Airfare (p. 15)  CO will provide your return airfare if: 1.You complete current contract 2.You don ’ t enter into a new contract in Japan within 30 days 3.You leave Japan within 30 days  Flight should be as direct as possible with minimal transfers

Pension Refund (pp )  Detailed info in Handbook and GIH  Designate Tax Representative before leaving  Apply after returning home –First receive 80% –Tax rep will help retrieve remaining 20%  Whole process takes 6-18 months  Turn in Alien Registration Card at airport!

Sending Stuff Home (pp )  Several options listed in Handbook  Average cost 1-man per box  Slower methods = cheaper  Special services for books, etc.  Start packing now

Utilities (pp )  Contact utilities companies 1 month before –Make appointment to come on moving day  School/BOE may be able to assist  Cell phone, internet, bank account  Don ’ t forget about memberships!

Clean-up  Clean apartment before leaving –Make comfortable for successor to move in  Pay for any damages  Apartment check on last day

Successor (p. 5-6)  Decided between late-May and late-June –Ask supervisor for contact details  Selling apartment items –Be fair, account for depreciation –Successor not obligated to buy  Provide information –Be helpful and objective –See Handbook and GIH for suggestions

Additional Resources  Post-JET Employment/Education (pp ) –Also: Conference for Returning JETs files online  Saying Goodbye (pp )  Checklist (p. 48)

Q&A

Final Advice Start planning now! You don ’ t want to rush the end of your JET experience.