I am in Japan! I keep getting nostalgic waves from past experiences here. Overall I am extremely happy and excited. But right now my internet is not very good so I don't have much time before it loses a signal. I will update with pictures from my area and my apartment when I get a real connection.
Jonathan
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Flight is in a few hours!
So...after rushing at the last minute to get all my things in order, I am finally ready for Japan! My flight leaves around 11am and we will get there 13 hours later, which will be around 2pm in Japan. I have done a lot of work and preparation up to this point and I am ready to take on the new semester.
I cannot wait to start sharing all the awesome experiences I have while there. But first it might take a week or two to set up internet in our apartment so...
Until then,
Jonathan
I cannot wait to start sharing all the awesome experiences I have while there. But first it might take a week or two to set up internet in our apartment so...
Until then,
Jonathan
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Good Advice from Shingo
As I previously posted, I went to Kyoto Sushi to meet with my former Japanese teacher from the College of Dupage. I suppose you can call him my mentor since he has helped me the most in deciding what path I am taking in life.
Overall I had a great time. Eating sushi was a little hard since I had just recently got my wisdom teeth removed and the rice was getting stuck in the vacant holes in my mouth LOL. But most importantly I once again received extremely valuable advice from Shingo. In my quest to become fluent in Japanese as well as cultuarally competent, I should most likely enter into the JET Program(hired for teaching english in Japan).
Originally I was planning on this but had a few reservations when it came to my ability to pay off loans. I figured it might be hard to effectively bring down my principle loan amount while I lived in Japan. But Shingo was able to give me some figures to work with. So I came to the conclusion that it is actually a pretty good deal and I would be able to pay off a good amount of loans while I am there.
After the program I hope to continue my education all the way through doctoral studies. My main goal is to become a University Professor in East Asian Languages and Cultures. But I realize that I can always fall back on business when I need to. Actually it would be ideal to combine the two and educate aspiring youths about International Business Relations in East Asia. Well see what happens though.
Needless to say, I owe Shingo a lot for all his help through the years. He jokes that he will send me a bill haha.
Well this post has become too long, sorry.
Ja mata,
Jonathan
Overall I had a great time. Eating sushi was a little hard since I had just recently got my wisdom teeth removed and the rice was getting stuck in the vacant holes in my mouth LOL. But most importantly I once again received extremely valuable advice from Shingo. In my quest to become fluent in Japanese as well as cultuarally competent, I should most likely enter into the JET Program(hired for teaching english in Japan).
Originally I was planning on this but had a few reservations when it came to my ability to pay off loans. I figured it might be hard to effectively bring down my principle loan amount while I lived in Japan. But Shingo was able to give me some figures to work with. So I came to the conclusion that it is actually a pretty good deal and I would be able to pay off a good amount of loans while I am there.
After the program I hope to continue my education all the way through doctoral studies. My main goal is to become a University Professor in East Asian Languages and Cultures. But I realize that I can always fall back on business when I need to. Actually it would be ideal to combine the two and educate aspiring youths about International Business Relations in East Asia. Well see what happens though.
Needless to say, I owe Shingo a lot for all his help through the years. He jokes that he will send me a bill haha.
Well this post has become too long, sorry.
Ja mata,
Jonathan
Slow week so far...
With most of my preparations in order it has been quite a slow week. I should probobly get some more research done or possibly study some more. I plan to work on that until Friday when I actually begin packing.
I suppose its just difficult since it is so close. Plus all of my friends work during the week so there isn't much time spent with them...making the week feel even longer. But I am sure it will begin to speed up this weekend. I am looking forward to my final preparations!
Ja mata,
Jonathan
I suppose its just difficult since it is so close. Plus all of my friends work during the week so there isn't much time spent with them...making the week feel even longer. But I am sure it will begin to speed up this weekend. I am looking forward to my final preparations!
Ja mata,
Jonathan
Friday, March 6, 2009
Japan is Almost Here!
Well, it has been awhile since I even started this blog, yet I have made very few posts. I plan to update a couple times per week while I am actually in Japan. Which will be VERY SOON! I leave on the 18th of March and arrive on the 19th around 2pm. There is not much left to do. I have my apartment situation all figured out thanks to Sakamoto-san from At-Monthly, and all my necessary documents are already issued. Now all I have to do is tie up a few loose ends and PACK. I feel that I have a lot of time to do all this so I plan on spending time with friends and family since I wont be seeing them for awhile.
But I am extremely excited and my mind is racing with all the things I want to do while I am there. I will waste no time before meeting friends, and networking with others. I feel this will be the most beneficial towards my experience. I hope to get involved with extracurricular activities as well such as clubs and sports.
Well thats about it. I will update another time before I leave. Now I am off to meet my former Japanese teacher, Shingo, for some sushi!
Ja mata,
Jonathan
But I am extremely excited and my mind is racing with all the things I want to do while I am there. I will waste no time before meeting friends, and networking with others. I feel this will be the most beneficial towards my experience. I hope to get involved with extracurricular activities as well such as clubs and sports.
Well thats about it. I will update another time before I leave. Now I am off to meet my former Japanese teacher, Shingo, for some sushi!
Ja mata,
Jonathan
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