Welcome to my blog about my year abroad in Tokyo, which is starting tomorrow.
The bags are packed, the flight is checked in and goodbyes are said... What else is there left? Of course, writing this first pre-flight blog post.
I thought I'll take this opportunity to answer some frequently asked questions. If I forgot something or you are more creative, the comment function is right there for you. :)
Why Japan?
Initially, I have been planning to study in the US and even got an admission. But funding that is very tricky. So I started my master's degree in Siegen and was looking out for a chance to spend at least some time abroad. For an HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) student, Japan with its highly advanced technology is a very attractive place, plus its culture has fascinated me for a long time. When I learned that Siegen has got four (!) partner universities in Japan, I decided to give it a try and applied - at least an exchange program is much easier to finance because you don't have to pay any tuition fees. Though I never imagined I would be accepted at all.
What are you actually doing there?
As an exchange student from the University of Siegen, I am participating in the Keio International Programme (KIP) at the Keio University. This means I am taking seven courses from diverse areas (such as marketing, economics, art, cultural studies, technology...) per semester from the International Center and four language courses. As soon as I officially set up my schedule, I will make sure to post it here. And no, I don't get any credits for my studies in Germany - you may think of it as "broadening my horizons" or "just for fun", whichever you like best. :)
How long are you staying?
I'm staying for one year, or to be exact, I am allowed to stay in my dormitory until August 1st, 2017. Which does not mean that I won't be tempted to travel a bit afterwards...
Where are you staying?
I got a small apartment at a dormitory in Kawasaki called Plume IS, which is provided by Keio University. Photos will follow :)
How do you get there?
My flight will go 11 hours from Düsseldorf to Hong Kong, where I will change and fly four more hours to Tokyo (Haneda Airport) with Cathay Pacific.
Are you speaking Japanese?
Despite my two semesters of language courses (at the adult education centre), I'm afraid that my language skills are very humble. Learning by doing is the motto now.
Aren't you scared?
The last weeks - or months even - had been so incredibly busy and intense. I have been studying for exams, finishing assignments and projects, spending time with friends and family and travelling, so I didn't even have to time to get scared or even realise I am leaving so soon.
But...
...it was a fantastic time and I would like to say a huge *Thank you* to everyone who made these last months unforgettable. It made me realise once again how lucky I am to call so many amazing people my friends. I will miss you a lot and I hope to hear from you quite often!
Stay tuned for the next post from Japan - and feel free to comment. :)
Love,
Rita
No comments:
Post a Comment