PRE-DEPARTURE; Update on application process for Nara, Japan, Fall 2013

So not much has changed overall in the application process except for looming deadlines. The first set of deadlines I have is my package of forms (virtual and electronic) for Nara's application by Feb. 28th.
Then I have the CMU portion due in March.



I do have dates to go off of now though! August 28th I should be in Nara, September 2 classes start (just in time for the rainy season), and the semester ends December 27th!





I am glad for the checklist styled application for Nara that the Study Abroad Program has, so I can easily see what is left for me to do. They look like this and just have different sections for what you have left to complete or submit:

Everything from recommendation letters to the application fee is listed in what I call the "To-Do" list.

Some of the requirements include getting together with an advisor for approval of my Japanese classes abroad, meeting with a financial advisor to approve the financial aspects, of course my friendly and helpful study abroad advisor who helps me all the time (and who I am sure is quite tired by my constant email clarification questions).

Truly studying abroad is a tiresome process that has many steps, but I am glad for all the help from everyone.

Aside from gathering paperwork and such for the actual study abroad, I have also been preparing in other more personal ways.

I recently got a  group at CMU to represent Japan at the International Expo where we all worked really hard and had lots of fun doing things like making tri-folds, making origami, writing guests names in katakana, talking culture and language, and displaying Japanese items.

One of the tri-folds

Another tri-fold by the Japanese Language Group

Japanese money and cell phone charms on display

Origami crane succession-"baby cranes" done by Lisa Otani!

Also I have been meeting with a Japanese conversation partner to practice my Japanese every week, and Skyping with a Japanese person in Osaka weekly.

So far so good, I also plan to meet with my Japanese friends every other week to practice Japanese while they practice their English before I leave in August.

So I am starting to wrap up the first block phase of my application process yay!