nagnagnag

We still haven't bought my ticket. I keep bringing it up and they go "Yeah, we should do that." And then I end up bringing it up again a few days later and they go "Yeah, we should do that." And then I end up bringing it up...

You can already tell how this is going, can't you? I know they probably think I'm nagging them or something, but I just kind of want my ticket for my 10 month excursion out of the country BEFORE the date is on the current month's calendar. Pfft. Maybe I'll just have to anty up the pestering hah.

Other than that, the only trip-related thing to say is that I really need to start studying my Japanese again... I don't want to score lower than necessary on the Japanese level exam once I get there, so yayyy time to study.

I don't really want to study by myself though, kind of sucks to be at home for such purposes.

omg cheap airfare

So, I definitely recommend using www.studentuniverse.com for any students or teachers who want to get some cheaper airfare. I looked up a one way ticket to Tokyo (Narita Airport) from Seattle (Seatac Airport) and it was only like $502.37, WITH taxes and fees. After seeing what the estimated price was that OUS (Oregon University System) gave us (about $1,600.00 round trip), I'd say that's a pretty damn good price. If my ticket back is that much, that means I'm saving like 500-600 dollars right there, freaking crazy.

Also, I was looking at a more domestic flight (from Illinois to Seattle) and it was like $50+ cheaper than I could find using orbitz or cheaptickets. I recommendrecommenrecommend it! Just remember, you have to be a student (or faculty member, I think) to use it.

I am getting very pumped about going, but very nervous about trying to pack my life for a year into two checked and one carry-on. Eek.

Accepted!

It's confirmed! I just received this email on Tuesday:

"Dear Waseda Applicants,

I am happy to report that Waseda University has accepted all of our OUS nominations! The formal review process is still ongoing, however, official OUS acceptance letters will be sent out next week. These letters will indicate any qualifications or conditions to your Waseda acceptance, i.e. completion of Japanese 103, boost in Spring term GPA, pending missing paperwork, pending personal interview, etc.

I know that you have all worked really hard to get to this point and we look forward to working with you towards successful entrance to the Fall and Yearlong programs at Waseda University!

Sincerely,

[Name Removed]
OUS International Programs"

I'm in! I don't know what requirements they'll want of me, since I've met the Japanese requirement already, have a good gpa, and I think I have all of the paperwork in... except I need to take some pictures and send them to Ms. Cuenca. Other than that, I think it's all set.

Holy crap, I'm going to be in Japan for 10 months!~

And in the beginning...

Though I'm not there yet, this will be my blog for when I'm in Tokyo at the end of the year as an exchange student at 早稲田大学 (Waseda University). Not sure if I'll make posts before I go (about the process of getting ready/making plans and whatnot), but you'll see me back here by the end of the year!