Departing the JET Programme

*Please follow along with your copy of the Fukuoka JET Returner

s Handbook 2011

April 18, 2011 Fukuoka ALT Meeting

Presented by Alexander Blamberg

Visa (pp. 17-18)

You must leave Japan before your visa expires

1st & 2nd years – likely valid beyond contract 3rd years – likely expiring this summer 4th & 5th 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. 11-14)

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. 24-26)

Several options listed in Handbook Average cost 1-man per box Slower methods = cheaper Special services for books, etc. Start packing now

Utilities (pp. 27-28)

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. 30-38)– Also: Conference for Returning JETs files online

Saying Goodbye (pp. 39-43) Checklist (p. 48)

Q&A

Final Advice

Start planning now!

You don’t want to rush the end of your JET experience.