In the few weeks since my last post, I've finished classes for the semester, helped students prepare for their Japanese oral and written final exams, won a couple scholarships, attended ceremonies for said scholarships, ridden carnival rides in the school parking lot (while screaming Japanese words with Jess and Reika), given a presentation about diversity, and performed a Japanese roleplay about Obama. (And no, I wasn't Obama, but thanks for asking.)
The best part? I suddenly find myself only nine - yes, NINE - days away from 23 hours of "airport fun." (I don't really understand why people don't like airports. Sure, you can have long lines and PMSing customs officers, but I like airports because I get a thrill from others' excitement and energy. Besides, the airport itself is only temporary - that's kind of the point, right?)
But first, we'll have to recharge from a 13-hour time zone difference, move into our apartments, and take a Japanese language placement test to see whether we will be in the language classes taught mostly in English or entirely in Japanese (which could mean we're not in the same class - EEK!).
I can't wait.
So, as I mentioned, SCHOLARSHIPS! I found out earlier this week I will receive $7,200 for my studies at Sapporo ($800 for travel expenses and then an $800 stipend per month for 8 months) from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). The organization gives out 1,800 of these per year to international students who plan to study at a Japanese university for anywhere from three months to a year.
I'll admit, I'm still getting used to being described as an "international student." Even though I've studied abroad before on field studies in Italy with the Honors College and in Japan with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies, all of the documents I read were geared toward me and never directly called me an international student or foreign exchange student. I still see myself as me, the same American who just happens to be studying for eight months in Japan; I never gave much thought to the new label I would have. Last summer, I was a "tourist." This year, I'm a "foreign exchange student." Can't say I mind the change. :)
I've been listening to one of Remioromen's newest singles on repeat, which is named Sakura (the Japanese word for cherry blossoms). (I've been obsessed with this group for awhile. Expect a blog post about them later.)
Click here for Remioromen's "Sakura" music video. Even if you aren't a fan of the music, the video's graphics are beautiful. (Watch the dancer's silhouette transform into a bird!)
BLOG SOUNDTRACK: anything by レミオロメン
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