Archives for: September 2009, 20
September 20, 2009 - Study Abroad
September 20th, 2009School started weeks ago, but I haven't updated much due to my super-rush to complete my study abroad application by the deadline of October 1st.
I've always considered the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Holland, and Australia as places to study abroad in, and somewhat in that order too. UK and AU because they speak English, but AU's hot and has high rates of skin cancer, so I bumped it to the back. NL 'cause of my relatives, FR 'cause it's near my relatives and I learned the language before. And of course, JP because I'm learning it now, and because I was really into all that Japanese stuff when I was younger (still am, to a less childish extent).
But at the end of August, I suddenly realized I'd be running out of time and courses to study abroad. I finally had my heart set on Japan, because I've learned Spanish and French but can barely speak it now (reading it's still good though). I love learning languages, so I'm not gonna let my Japanese slip away. Come on, I had to learn all those characters, a whole new frickin' alphabet for gods sake!
Since Baruch has no exchanges with Japan, I'm applying for Kansai Gaidai University through SUNY Albany. KGU is in Osaka, and about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train. Of course I'd like to visit Tokyo, but really, I can't even afford to live in Manhattan! I don't wanna trade one concrete jungle for another.
I'm so excited but worried about the competition. The KGU site says it's fierce, but I don't know if they're trying to seem desirable or something. At least, that's what I tell myself to be more confident, lol.
So far, I've got a draft of my statement of purpose done, and varied parts of the application (both online and on paper) completed. I have two teachers giving me a recommendation. Even if I don't make it, I'm still happy at attempting it on my own. Plus, there's always next year!
Wish me luck!