Tohoku University's International Support Center (ISC) held an orientation session at Aobayama Campus on April 10, aimed at providing newly arrived international researchers, students and their families with essential information about the university and its resources, as well as a practical guide to life in Sendai.

During the two-hour event, Autumn Venekamp from the ISC delivered an overview of Tohoku University, providing information on how to access the campus Wi-Fi and Groupware system and use the inter-campus shuttle buses. She also highlighted the extensive support available through the ISC, including a newly launched Call Center, which offers a three-way Interpretation service and advice on various matters such as ward office procedures.

Venekamp then guided attendees through the bureaucratic procedures of Japan's pension and insurance systems and tax obligations for foreign residents, as well as the practicalities of daily life such as garbage recycling and disposal, public transportation and traffic regulations.

"The main purpose of this orientation is to help international researchers and students get off to a smooth start in Sendai by providing practical, easy-to-understand information about daily activities and administrative procedures, while also making them aware of available support systems," said Sati Sekar, who heads the Researcher Support Section at the ISC.

In the second part of the orientation, representatives from the International Relations and Planning Section of Sendai City's Culture and Tourism Bureau, Hannah Lilly and William Ho, were on hand to discuss additional resources offered by the city, including a support hotline, community-based Japanese language classes, and how to contact emergency services.

Given that Japan is highly prone to earthquakes and natural disasters, there was a detailed presentation on disaster preparedness, earthquake response protocols and how to locate nearby evacuation centers.

Participants were encouraged to prepare an evacuation kit and make emergency plans not only with contacts in Japan, but with family overseas. "Phones might not work, so think about how to let your family back home know that you are okay," said Ho. "If you have family here in Sendai, plan an evacuation route or a meeting place in case you are separated."

Tohoku University reinforces this preparedness through regular campus safety drills, where students, faculty and staff can familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures, the use of fire extinguishers and other first aid equipment.

A lively Q&A session brought the day to a close, with staff from Tohoku University and Sendai City sharing personal tips such as where to find 24-hour supermarkets and popular sightseeing spots around the city.

Attendees were encouraged to follow the university's official website and social media platforms to stay up to date with campus news and events, and to contact the Research Management Center (RMC) for any grant-related assistance. "I came to let researchers know about the RMC and the support we provide for funding and various other research activities," said Jason Sanderson, a University Research Administrator (URA). "I have already received a surge of inquiries regarding research funding, so there's clearly a lot of enthusiasm within this group!"

"We know that adjusting to a new country can be challenging so our goal is to reduce the uncertainty and make sure everyone feels supported from the outset," said Sekar. "Hopefully the participants now have a more complete picture of their new environment and can better identify the best points of contact in different situations."

Contact:

International Support Centre (ISC)
Tohoku University
Tel: +81 (0)22-217-6021
Email: supportoffice-rgrp.tohoku.ac.jp