Also, a few days ago I attended the online webinar where the returnees said it is a good idea to bring along a small notebook for notes and people's names so that you don't forget them and offend people later. They also recommended getting this DS game called "Kanji sonomama" Apparently it is like a kanji dictionary but it also allows you to write. They said it was very useful when they went so I'm thinking about getting it...
Yesterday in the mail, I got a large envelope from AFS. Inside was a sort of booklet thing with all the information on my family! On the back page were a whole bunch of pictures of them. They all look really cool and there were pictures of the grandparents too because apparently they live nearby. My host mother is an English teacher and my host father works for a construction company. I am sort of worried that my host mother will use English and I'll have to explain not to.... There were also these little check boxes where the family checked what characteristics they thought applied to them. On mine, two of the boxes they checked along with some others were: Conservative/ traditional and strict....Ahh Now I'm worried! My host sister doesn't live in Japan so besides my host parents it will be just me and my two host brothers..Getting used to living with two brothers should be interesting!
Ahh, even though everyone always says: "Carolyn, your so lucky, I would kill to go!" I am realizing the hard way that even though this is great and all, I'm really REALLY going to miss everyone here....a lot.....
YAY! I FINALLY got a host family!! Last night I got an email from AFS saying that I had been placed in Kashima- shi in Saga- ken. I have five people in my family: Two brothers (one 3 years older, one 4 years younger) One sister (6 years older) a host mom and dad, and a dog!!!! I am also going to be attending Kashima Jitsugyou high school. I looked it up a little bit. Apparently it is famous for the Yuutoku Inari shrine and borders the Ariake sea. Anyways, it looks beautiful and I am very satisfied because I did not really want to get put near Tokyo... =)I found some random pictures on google...Of course I'll take my own when i get there
Ok, so pretty much what leads me to say this today is utter boredom and the wishful thinking that something could happen already... Yes, I leave in 2 1/2 months (about). Although, my mother has been holding back on paying the tuition, saying that I have to get my grade up in chemistry before I go anywhere. Psh. I have a solid C. Anyways, I am wondering whether or not to bring a laptop. I'm worried that I won't have access to a computer that I can use/put my pictures on. The problem is that I emailed AFS and they said that multiple bad things could happen to it, like me frying it when I plug it in. Ahh well. I hope it turns out because I really want to skype when I am there.
I haven't gotten a host family yet and I have heard that some people don't get them until a matter of weeks before they leave :P Great, the only thing I have to look forward to is getting yellow luggage tags in the mail.
A few days ago I got my travel dates! I have to go to an orientation in LA. The flight leaves on March 23rd at around 12:00 PM, but my family and I are going to hang around in LA for a few days....Now we just have to find a cheap domestic flight :P
Hello! My name is Carolyn and I am attempting to go abroad to Japan this March for a year with AFS!!! For a career I really want to be in international business (maybe as an interpreter).Overall, however, I really think that going abroad in high school would be pretty amazing..... From going abroad I hope to gain maturity (I admit, I need some work). I also hope to overcome any shyness I have in meeting new people, gain language skills, have fun, open my mind, make new friends, etc, etc. In a nearby suburb where I live there is also a large Japanese population. When I get back maybe I can help out at nursing home....In fact, I thought about going before but I was worried I would not have enough vocabulary to actually speak to the people. It is HORRIBLE because whenever I attempt to speak any Japanese I get scared and freeze up :( Sooo, That is something else I am hoping to overcome..... As you may be able to imagine...my mother is very nervous for me to leave and she asks me if "Are sure you want to do this?" EVERYDAY!!! Yes, even though I am super nervous I really would enjoy this greatly... My friends all think I am crazy and a couple of them are envious. In fact, I apparently have about 5 people who want to get smuggled there in my suitcase/pocket... Anyways, getting the application in has been a long process and it was suggested that I make this blog for talking about what happens and to raise money.... Okkk, I don't care if no one but family will read it...though I am sure it will be pretty interesting.
