New Host Sister!

New Host Sister!

I finally got to meet my other host sister. My host parents, host sister (the one who lives at home), and I went do to Tokyo on Saturday to watch my other host sister graduate from college. It was very lovely meeting her and watching her graduate. It was also very interesting to see a Japanese graduation ceremony. It was mainly the same as an American graduation ceremony, only a lot smaller and more bowing. After the ceremony, my host family, except for my new host sister, and I went to this nearby Indian festival. It was definitely a lot of fun. I even bought a new dress there. I didn't get to explore Tokyo all that much, but it surely was a gorgeous sight to see, and I definitely want to go back! I can't believe that I've been here an entire month already; it only feels like a few days! 

One Month Now

One Month Now!

I've been in Japan for about a month now, and I still can't believe I'm living this dream. I've been having a great time here and am so excited I got to come. In the past week, on Friday, my host parents and I went to a see a local concert. It was very fun, and I even got a CD from it. It was just two locals playing, but I still had fun. Saturday I got to go to my first street festival. It was very small, but it was definitely a blast. I've been enjoying my time spent in Japan and all the fun things I've done so far. I'm very excited to see what next week (and the week after that and after that) has in store for me. 

More Japan!

More Japan!

Oh goodness, Japan has just been absolutely fabulous; I`m enjoying ever moment here. Thursday, my school had their annual Sports Day (a day where all the students participate in sports during the school day), and I still can`t understand why American schools don`t have one. It was absolutely fantastic. All during the school day, I got to play sports and hang out with my friends. It was supremely terrific. On Saturday, my host mother and sister and I went shopping, and I bought my first new outfit in Japan. Afterwards, we met up with my host father and went to an ice hockey game. It was the Tochigi Icebucks against a Korean team. Unforunately, our team didn't win, but I had fun nonetheless. And today, AFS (my exchange program) had a party to welcome me to Japan. It was also very exciting. I gave a presentation about America and got to meet the other AFS exchange students that are doing the year-long program. Afterwards, my host mother and I went to this very large mall near Utsunomiya, and I got two very pretty dresses there. Afterwards, we came home for a little bit before leaving for the grocery store. There, we bought all the necessary items to make my real father's very delicious chili. And now, I get to make it for them (with the help of my Okasan (host mother)). It has definitely been a terrific week in Japan. And I know there will be plenty more for me to see and do during my stay!

JAPAN!!

Japan!

Oh goodness, what a crazy two weeks it has been. I arrived safely into the Narita airport on the 23rd of August and have been living it up ever since. The day after arrival, I had a very long, one day orientation explaining about the program and Japan as a whole. The day after THAT, I met my host family. My host sister and host mother picked me up at the train station and took me to their lovely home. On the way, we stopped at this amazing Japanese resturant where (for my first real meal in Japan) I got my favorite Japanese food: tempura. After meeting my family, I started school the very next day. And man, was that an adjustment.

Not only was it my first time EVER wearing a uniform, but it was my first time ever being a new student. I guess being foreign makes everything just a little bit better. Besides the craziness of not knowing the daily routine and everyone being overwhelmed by my blonde hair, it wasn't half bad. Everyone at my school (teachers and students) are extremely nice and helpful when I don't understand.

Besides the normal routine of school and host home, I've been to a lot of other places already! Last Saturday, I went to the Tochigi Boys' School Festival (in Shin-tochigi); last Sunday, my host mother took me to the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko city; and today, my host family took me to the Fukushima Museum of Art.

Minus all the new places, I've got to experience a lot, too. On Wednesday, I experienced my first ever earthquake. It was pretty different from Indiana (where the ground never shakes!), but at least no one got hurt. I've even made my first new friends within my first week of school.

With everything I've seen and experienced already in my first two weeks, I can tell you right now that I'm overly thrilled with my choice to study in Japan.

Host Family Update!

Host Family Update!

I just received information about my host family placement! It turns out I will actually be staying with two host families during my stay in Japan! My first placement will be in Nikko, Japan, and I will be staying with my first family for a month. Nikko, Japan is 1,450 square kilometers around and is about 140km North of Tokyo. I haven't found out any information about my second host family; however, I know I will be staying with them for the rest of my stay. I'm sure I'll find out more information about them very soon! I'm really excited to know this information! I'll definitely keep you guys updated as soon as I find out more about my host families! 

Pre-departure Orientation!

Pre-departure Orientation!

Yesterday was my pre-departure orientation, and I think it went pretty well. There were three other girls there, all going to different places! Our adviser had us start off with a drawing activity; she had all of us draw, with our non-dominate hand, our exceptions and concerns for our upcoming experiences. I thought that it was an interesting activity because it gave us a challenge we had to overcome. And our adviser had our parents observe us as we drew. It was a nice way to start of the meeting. After we all discussed our expectations and concerns, we took a break to eat and mingle. Once that was all over, we did another activity. This time, our adviser gave us a sheet of scenarios that could happen during our trip. We discussed each scenario and afterwards were given a packet about health and safety while abroad. We went over bits and pieces of it; most of it was common knowledge. Next, she gave us a "Pre-departure Worksheet" to do when we get home. It just has some things that we should know while we're abroad: Languages spoken, typical foods, expected temperature(s) during our trip, neighboring countries, size, etc. Finally, she had us do one last activity before we left: write a letter to ourselves for when we feel down while abroad. She had us write the letter and seal it in an envelope, and she made sure to note that we should pack it in our carry-ons for the plane ride. The meeting didn't take as long as I had expected; It only lasted about two hours. But, now I'm even more excited for my studying abroad trip!

How close are you to your tuition?

Oh goodness! We are about $1,047 away from having my entire tuition paid off! I'm so glad we're so close to our goal! And I would like to immensely thank everyone for their donations and support!! 

~Arigatou Gozaimasu Nee~

New Widget!

New Widget!

Hey guys! I've recently put up my brand new widget, after a very long wait. But nevertheless, it's up and ready to be used! Actually, I'm helping test the new widget before it is released to other AFSers to put on their blogs! :) As an incentive for helping out, AFS has promised to match every donation I receive (that's not from an immediate family member) up to $250! (But each donation has to be less than $50.) 

How far are you from your goal?

I am about $3,561 from having my entire tuition! :) And I'm really excited. I am just waiting on a check from Applebee's from when they did a Dine-to-Donate for me in April. I'm so close to my goal! Thank-you to everyone who has helped me every all way, shape, and form!