Labo-Lets Homestay Japan Program FAQ
Click on the heading to go direct to these related issues
| Application Criteria | Money and valuables in Japan |
| What gear to take | Program fees |
| Insurance | Host families |
| Cancellation | Mobile phones in Japan |
Application Criteria related Questions
Q: If I apply
does that mean I can definitely go?
A: Generally Yes. We do not have a
ceiling on the number of participants at this stage.
Once you application form has been accepted by Lets
Homestay and your fees are paid, all you will have to do
is hop on the plane.
Q: Do you have to be studying
Japanese currently to go?
A: It is not essential that you be studying
Japanese to go, however our keenness and interest in learning
about Japan's language and culture should be a prerequisite. It
will be a much more rewarding experience if you have knowledge
of some basic phrases and words in Japanese.
Q: Do I need a special Visa?
A: No. A temporary visitors visa is issued
to all New Zealand passport holders entering Japan. If you hold
a passport other than a New Zealand one the rules may be
different. Please discuss this with us before you apply.
Q: Do I need a special inoculation
A: It is suggested that your tetanus
inoculation is up to date when travelling overseas. There is
an area of the application form that asks about your
inoculation history. This is purely for information in the
event of a hospital visit during the program. There are no
mandatory requirements. Participants will need to know their
blood type. return to top
Q: What gear do I need to take?
A: Apart from the obvious changes on
clothes, camera etc, we do issue participants with a camp
guide book which outlines gear that you could take with you
for the Labo Camp. It is recommended that you take your own
boots for the camp that are water resistant at least for
mucking around in snow etc. A pair of waterproof pants and
warm jacket. The Labo fleece that you will be issued with is
warm but extra layers will be needed when going outside. Any
gear that you do not have will be arranged by your host
family in Japan.
Q: Are school
uniforms required?
A: No. The only uniform is the group
fleece jacket. The majority of the program is over the
school winter break in Japan and there will be lots of
family time. return to top
Q: Do I need extra personal health or
luggage insurance?
A: No. The insurance policy that is
included in the program is comprehensive. It includes loss
of deposits, travel delay, medical and emergency dental
treatment, luggage and personal effects, personal liability
and more.: For policy document please click here.return to top
Cancellation related questions
Q:I see there are cancellation
fees with the program. Will the insurance policy cover us
for loss of deposits and program fees if we cancel at the
last minute?
A: If by accident or incident you are
not fit for to participate in the program, either physically
or emotionally, the insurance policy will cover all loss of
fees less the excess. The insurance provider may demand a
doctors letter to back up your reason for withdrawal. If the
cancellation is by choice then the cover does not apply.return to top
Q: What would you recommend in the
amount of personal spending money?
A: We recommend $300-$400 spending
money, plus extra if there is something special you want to
buy. During the homestay your host family will provide
everything you need and all meals are included so you can
get through the program with out spending so much.
Q: How should I take my money ?
A: Cash We recommend cash of 20,000~30,
000yen (approx $NZ300~400) which you can get at any major
bank or Money exchange. Please organise this before coming
to Auckland as we do not want the group changing money on
the day of departure at the airport. Travellers cheques: If
you wish to take more money travellers cheques are
recommended. Get them issued in Yen if you can so you can
change them almost anywhere.
ATM Cards: Japan post offices have international ATMs with Maestro, Cirrus and Plus links. There is a surcharge withdrawal fee (approx $5). You withdrawal in YEN and the banks with debit your account in the NZ dollar equivalent based on that days exchange rate.
Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Japan. It is assumed that most students will not have a credit card, but if you do please look after it. PIN numbers do not work in Japan, you will have to sign for everything.
Be Safe: Cash cannot be replaced. If you loose it, it's gone. Take with you the recommended amount in cash (see above) Keep your cash in your wallet and on your body at ALL times. Do not keep your wallet in a bag! Take travellers cheques and keep the serial numbers with your passport, so they can be replaced if you loose the travellers cheques. Leave your travellers cheques in your suitcase and take them with you only if you intend to cash them.
Q:Where should I keep my Passports:
A: Do not take your passport with you everywhere you go. On
your arrival to your hosts home put it in your suitcase and
do not get it out until you pack for the homebound journey.
You must have you passport with you when you enter and exit
the country. return to top
Q: Is airport Departure Tax
included in the program fees
A: It is actually included in the air ticket now.
No extra cost.
Q: What is the
maximum baggage weight?
A: Air New Zealand's policy is 20kg
per person of check-in luggage. Hand luggage is limited to
7kg per person and one bag only. With the increasing costs
of fuel these weights are becoming very strict and extra
weight is charged. Please take care. return to top
Q: Are there checks done on the host families in Japan?
A:
The Labo International Exchange only use families who are
Labo members. These families are well known by the local
Labo Tutor and are checked thoroughly by Labo.
Q: Can I
request or choose my own family
A: If the family is part of
the Labo network and in the Tokyo region, you may request
them to host you. Beyond that Labo Japan will assign a
suitable family to you. You can however request a type of
family, e.g. a family keen on Skiing etc.
Q: Will I be
hosted on their own?
A: Yes. You will have your own host
family. These families are scattered around the region and
sometimes a long way from other fellow participants. You
will have the chance to catch up with everyone on the Labo
Camp. return to top
Q: Can I use my mobile phone
in Japan?
A: Yes and NO. Telecom mobile phones do not work
in Japan. Japan is based on a quadband and all telecom
mobiles are dualband phones. In 2009 there will be a new
network compatible to Japans called WCDMA, but at this stage
the answer is no for telecom users. If you have a Vodophone
3G mobile phone you will be able to set your phone to global
roaming in Japan. You can also text and receive texts.
However Texts will cost 80cents and you will be charged $1
per minute to receive calls. International rates will apply
to call made from you mobile. If someone in Japan calls you
they would phone you as if you were in NZ. i.e. +64 21 123
4567 (for a number of 021 123 4567) return to top