Japanese currency is the yen (¥). Japanese money is issued in 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 notes. There are silver 500, 100, and 50 yen coins. The 10-yen coin is copper in color, and the 5 is bronze. There are also aluminum 1 yen coins. Check a source such as Xe to confirm the exchange rate before departing for Japan. Japan is a very cash based society and although credit cards are accepted in many stores, there are still many smaller shops that only accept cash. Japanese people routinely carry more cash than is the norm in the United States. A number of cell phone and debit card style electronic...

Public Transportation Because of the size of the city, daily commuting is a reality for all who live in the Greater Tokyo area. Like local students, IES Abroad students will travel around the city. Train, bus, and taxi costs can be high. While Uber exists, it's current iteration in Japan will simply call you a taxi and will be priced the same as any other taxi. Getting around in Japan is made easy by Google Maps, which will tell you the train line, platform number and exit that you need to use to get to your destination. Note that Google Maps is more accurate and better for navigation in Japan...

Weather and Packing In the summer, the weather will be hot and humid. (For current weather conditions in Tokyo, check www.weather.com or another reliable source on worldwide weather). Comfortable shoes are a must idea since you will be doing a lot more walking in Japan than you normally do in the US. Slip-on shoes are also a good idea, since you will be taking your shoes on and off frequently. Boots are not recommended for the same reason. Shoes are not worn in houses. Bring a comfortable pair of slippers to wear at your dormitory or plan to purchase them once you arrive. Inexpensive slippers...

Japanese food has become popular in other countries, and you might already be familiar with some typical dishes. On the whole, the diet is a healthy one. It includes a balance of fish and meat, but few dairy products. While a typical Japanese diet is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, it is high in sodium. You will also be able to enjoy other international foods, and many Western-style meals, including fast food.

In 1853, when Commodore Perry and his “Black Ships” steamed into what is known today as Tokyo Bay, Japan was a closed society little known to the West. The mere sight of Perry’s Western technology sent shockwaves through the Japanese empire and led to a national effort to match European and American technical and social achievements. Today, Japanese technological innovation, industrial strength, work ethic, and social institutions have made the country a leader in the industrialized world. The Japan visited by Commodore Perry is still very much alive in the form of thousand-year-old temples...

In Japan, electricity operates at 100 volts and 50 hertz. Converters are needed for some American appliances that operate at 110 volts and 60 hertz (although most electronic devices will work fine without converters). If you have concerns, please check your appliance and/or contact your appliance manufacturer. For more information on voltage converters, see Voltage Valet. It is best to bring as few appliances as possible. You can buy small electronics on-site instead of bringing yours with the necessary converters. If you have a laptop or any other electronic device with a three-pin plug, you...

Mail may be addressed to you in care of the IES Abroad Freiburg Center: IES Abroad Freiburg Center Werthmannstraße 11 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau GERMANY It is advisable to have packages and registered letters sent to the Center, as they can be delivered and held there, whereas if you have something mailed to your housing and are not immediately present when delivered, the postman will take the package back and leave you a card to pick it up at a post office. “IES Abroad” must be included in the address when sending mail to the Center, otherwise the post office may not deliver it. To send...

Estimated on-site expenses Food & Drink Groceries per week, if you cook every meal at home €50-60 Breakfast at a restaurant / café €5-10 Lunch at a restaurant / café €7-15 Dinner at a restaurant €12-25 Soft drink €2,50-3,50 Coffee (at a restaurant or café) Coffee to go €2,50-3,50 €1,50-2 Meal at a university dining facility (not including drink) €1,65-6 Local Transportation Monthly transportation pass €42 Semester transportation pass (only for students enrolled at the university of Freiburg) €94 Bus - single ticket €2,40 Train - single ticket (within region) €6,20 Personal Necessity Basic...

Meeting Local People Contact with German students, fellow IES Abroad students, and students from other countries is available through daily interaction and shared facilities in your housing. Another excellent way of meeting Germans is to join one of the many Vereine (clubs) established in Freiburg. Contact with German students is in large part a personal initiative, and the on-site IES Abroad staff will be happy to give you suggestions. Remember that your program may be a very short time in which to make friends with locals, especially in a language environment other than one’s own. Germans...

Food in Germany is seen as something to be enjoyed and meals can last a long time. Wine is commonly consumed with meals, but alcohol is seldom abused. In Germany, food is very often rich, but Germans are generally able to stay trim with daily exercise of walking or cycling. Germans enjoy eating foods from other cultures. There are many Italian restaurants in Freiburg, as well as restaurants serving Turkish, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Afghan, and American cuisine. A study of any gourmet guide will reveal the excellent reputation of the cuisine of the Freiburg region, Baden. Even the most modest of...