So it Begins, My Journey to Japan
Back in August, I applied to a Japanese language School in Tokyo. I have always wanted to study abroad in Japan but I didn’t get the chance when I was in College. I had dreamed of going to Japan since I was in High School but I often bounced around with thoughts about WHAT I would go there for.
My first thought was take a week or two and go for fun with some friends. The more I thought about it though, I wouldn’t get enough time to actually explore much. I did talk to some people about this as well but they either didn’t have the money or just weren’t as interested. My next option was working In Japan. The first thing that came to mind was teaching, but the problem there was A) I would be gone for a year B) I wanted to spend a bit of time in Tokyo and many English Teachers or ALTs were often placed in small towns or places in the country. I did spend a lot of time researching people who were currently doing this or had done it in the past. Then again did I really want to spend my first time in Japan, working?
Then I started researching study abroad options I figured it might be a long shot since many Study Abroad programs require that you were currently attending school. At this point I had already graduated college. But I kept looking because there had to be something. Then I came across a program that seemed like the perfect option, they also accepted post graduates. I emailed the school asking a few questions and they got back to me within days. The results of my email were positive. I decided to do more research on the program and the school itself. I found good reviews and positive experiences of those who had gone through the program. I also started watching the videos of a girl who made a Vlog for every day she was in the program. It was full of pictures and her own experiences everyday, she also answered questions. I contacted her and we chatted a little bit. That was when I made the decision that I wanted to do this too.
The next thing I did was talk to my mom. I told her about all the research I did and what the program costs and much more. My mom then emailed the program herself asking her own questions. She got a reply back as well then turned back to me and made sure I was really passionate about doing this. She admitted to being nervous about sending me halfway across the world, and she talked to me about her other concerns. I did my best to explain to her my research on not just the school but the city of Tokyo (where the school I will be going to is located) and Japan itself. She still was nervous but because I am already an adult she told me to do what I wanted. So I applied for the program.
Within about a week I was told that I was accepted into the program and they directed me to the password secure site where the paperwork was located. I printed out the paperwork and filled out everything they needed me to fill out. While I was doing this I kept in contact with the person doing the registrations and asked her questions that came to mind. She was very helpful and soon enough I sent the paperwork out. They received the paperwork and confirmed my registration with me. They just needed the payment before February to complete everything.
I wasn’t taking out any loans, although the program offered, because I already had my student loans to pay off first. It was no problem for me because I had enough money in my bank account to pay for it myself. I had already decided that I would be paying the full tuition on my own.
So everything Is all set right now. I will be in Tokyo, Japan from April 7, 2016 to June 24th 2016. This also means I will be spending my birthday in Japan. This is super exciting!
I’m in the midst of other plans, but I will get to more of that another time. Enjoy Your Day!