Okay, so maybe that's a cheesy title for my first blog post, but what did you expect from me?
Allow me to explain the purpose of creating this blog. In spring 2011 I plan on spending an entire semester studying abroad in Japan. This has been my dream for the better part of ten years, so I am slightly anxious for the fateful day when I actually board the plane to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Today it is September 23rd, 2010. I completed UNCG's study abroad application by September 15th, a surprisingly tedious process (although necessary). On September 20th, I had my study abroad interview, which went exceptionally well. Every answer flowed off my tongue naturally. All of the questions had been answered in my heart years in advance, so it was surprisingly easy to talk with my interviewers.
My first choice of study is Nara Women's University, a prestigious school with a rigorous curriculum. It requires four semesters of Japanese to study there, and apparently, no one has applied to the program from UNCG for several years (probably for that reason). When I told Tom Martinek (the man in charge of the Japanese exchanges) that I wanted to study there, he was surprised and delighted. He was even more excited to hear that I would prefer a homestay with a Japanese family over an international dorm. Luckily for me, I learned in my interview that I am the only one who applied to Nara from UNCG and as a result, my chances of getting in are high. I will hear the official word on my acceptance by October 13th, when we return from fall break.
Cross your fingers for me! I am looking forward to this life-changing challenge and have begun studying Japanese in excess in the (little) free time I have. I have also dived head first into the Japanese club on campus as an advertising and media representative (club officer). My passion for the language and culture continues to grow, and it is hard to focus on much else!
God willing though, I will get through this semester with everything else in order. Ja!
Corri(nne)
