Welcome to Ibaraki

1
Welcome to Ibaraki

• Ibaraki JET Orientation
• August 16th 2006

2
Geography

• Northern Kanto area
• 180kms of coast
• 35 150kms from Tokyo
• 24th largest prefecture
• 4th most residential area
• 44 cities, towns, villages
• Capital - Mito

3
Population

• Approx. 3 million residents
• Ranked 11th nationally
• 490.6 people / km2
• 54,297 foreigners (as of Dec 2005)
• Ranked 10th nationally
• China, Brazil, Korea most represented
• Largest population in Tsukuba, Mitsukaido,
  Tsuchiura, Mito

4
Climate
5
Industry
6
Language in Ibaraki

• Ibaraki-ben
• Heavy accent among old folk
• Ibaragi?
• Pitch
• Pitch accent rising at end of statements
• Falling at end of questions
• Different words to standard Japanese
• ppe, be, he

7
The JET Program in Ibaraki
8
Relevant organizations

• Kokusaika (International Affairs Division)
• Keiyaku Dantai (Contracting Organizations)
• Kokokyoikuka (Senior High School)
• Kyoikuiinkai (Local Boards of Education)

9
Support and counseling

• PA System
• Clair JET line
• AJET Peer Support Network
• Ibaraki International Association (Mito)
• Local International Associations

10
Your contract

• Contracts vary with each contracting organization
• JHS, SHS, CIR
• Problematic view of contracts in Japan
• Personal relations
• Read your contract and understand it!
• Working hours and dates, holidays, salary

11
Leave

• Types of leave
• Nenkyu (Paid Annual Leave)
• Byoukyuu (Sick Leave)
• Daikyuu (Time in lieu)
• Generally 20 days of Nenkyu
• Set out expectations with supervisor ASAP

12
Taxes

• Income tax
• Local inhabitants tax
• Home tax liabilities

13
Insurance

• National Health Insurance
• JET Accident Insurance
• Pension Insurance
• Employment Insurance

14
Things you may still need to do..

• Check your tax liability
• Talk to supervisor about how to use holidays
• Apply for JET language course
• Make sure you know how to make a claim for
  insurance
• Have a list of emergency contacts
• Alien registration card
• Personal seal
• Register with embassy
• Open a bank account
• Read the GIH