Consumption and Real Estate
What do you wish people had told you before moving internationally?
Question : What do you wish people had told you before moving internationally?
I am moving to Misawa City Japan. I have never traveled internationally. I will be moving with my two children. What should I leave at home? What should I bring extra of?
moving internationally
Best answer:
Answer by Yanzo
bring extra underwear. cause i know that i don’t want to run out of clean underwear. learning some basic japanese words would be good too if u don’t already know some
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#2 written by Ginny Jin 1 year ago
How stressful and isolating it can be. Initially it is exciting but after several weeks and months it can be draining, so take regular breaks to nearby countries or whatever. I lived in the Far East (Japan 2 years, Hong Kong 3) for five years and had a nervous breakdown at the end of it. I don’t mean to put you off go for it, but pace yourself and don’t overdo the cultural immersion thing if you are not ready for it. I’m back living in the Far East, this time in South Korea with my native husband. Having him makes it 10 times easier.
Japanese people are very petite so unless you are you won’t find many clothes to fit. Bring cosmetics that you are used to. Bring some gifts from home for people you are likely to encounter x Also making local friends is invaluable. - Comment Feed for this Post
I would suggest that you read much of what is available on the internet about life in Japan for foreigners. A good place to start is http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Primer.html
I know that you are really looking forward to your trip and you should be. Japan is great fun. You will be in a excellent position to learn and grow in ways you never thought possible (really!). There will also be times that you will hate Japan and everything Japanese. Expect it.
My advice? Surrender as much as you will allow yourself. Promise yourself that along with your boxes of books, your family car and other things that are too heavy to bring that you will also leave your judgment behind. The Japanese have ways of doing things that are difficult if not impossible to understand for foreigners.
Expect to wish that Japan was more like home 5 times a day, 5 days a week. Know that Japan won’t change a single bit while you are here.
I would recommend that you bring as little as possible. Space will be hard to come by and you will not have any room for storage. This is a big issue! You can buy what you need to live here cheaply. Part of “surrendering” is leaving your old life behind. Start fresh – it helps.
I would box up adult winter stuff (it is expensive and your size doesn’t change -much) and have a friend or family member ship it to you by sea/surface mail later.
If you have difficulties with allergies stock up on cosmetics you like. If a family member takes any type of medicine please bring a two month supply. If family members have any medical conditions that they will need treatment for bring a copy of their medical records (English will be OK).
On the whole, the Japanese people are very warm, helpful, and gracious to the western visitor.
You can do this.