Spring = Sprung
Justin Phillips

I hope that as you read this, things have warmed up a bit and the cherry blossoms are blooming where you live. As we move from winter to spring, we are faced with change all around us

Spring is the time for transfers. Some of you may be wondering why your teachers and caretakers are changing. The reason is that in Japan, it is believed that public servants benefit greatly from working id different areas and with different people. By moving every so often, the employees are able to better learn about the unique cultures across the prefecture and thus serve the public in a greater capacity. Likewise, certain duties such as being department head, guidance counselor, or AET caretaker are also rotating positions, so a teacher who you may have been working with since you got here, may have become your caretaker in April. This can be hard to adjust to, but give it time and you&ll be forming new bonds and friendsips before you know it. Don't foreget to keep in touch with those people who helped you last school year, wherever they have gone.

Re-Contracting? Leaving?

You have made your decision or you are going to soon. Email or call your PA if you still have questions or if you need to talk. If you're leaving get your plan ready for making the time from now until you leave a fruitful one. Articles will be posted shortly.

If you are leaving check out the information for leavers in the living section. There is a lot of useful information to get you started on preparing to leave.

Read up on reverse culture shock and get yourself prepared. Know how your return airfare works. And most importantly read about claiming your pension refund.

 

Coming to Nagano