Host Family!

Exciting news! I recieved an email from my host mom on saturaday. I will be staying with the Kusudas who live outside of Kyoto, in Mineyama I believe. They have two daughers; Yuki, 12, and Natsuki, 6. I'm going to be a big sister!! My mom talked to my host mom on the phone - who speaks perfect english by the way! I will be attending Mineyama High School for 10 days and I will get to school by bike :) I am so excited! I have just about everything set to go - just need to finish up a few loose ends and make sure my funds are in order. Waiting eagarly for my tickets! More news soon.

Japan isn't One Giant Anime?

I received more info a few days ago in the mail. It included another congrats note, a basic schedule and packing list and other odds and ends. I really want to know who my host family is! Hopefully it comes soon. Plus we need to get a basic school uniform..ugh.

News (sorta)

So the other day I received a new papers from YFU in the mail. They were making sure I got a visa if applicable (which I don't need) and that I have my passport and medical insurance. The only thing I need to make sure is that my insurance will cover me overseas.
 Besides that, I get to start thinking about what I need to pack and getting a debit card etc. I hope I hear about orientation and who my family is going to be soon!

Package from YFU!

So on Monday the 3rd I finally received my long-awaited package from YFU! The contents included a less that informative letter confirming what I already knew, an oversized YFU logo t-shirt, several booklets about what to expect when traveling abroud (did you know that you're not allowed to trade currency on the black market?!) and a few other reminders. It also stated that I would be recieving information about my host family any time from now until the week I leave. On my to-do list so far right now is to get a TB test (oh joy...shots.. T_T), pay the remaining balance of $2500, get an electronics converter and to start thinking getting other odds and ends like packing and gifts together. Let's see what comes next!

Hello Everyone!

Here's a little background for everyone...
Several months ago I began YFU (Youth for Understanding)'s application process to live in Japan with a host family for 6 weeks starting early June.
Last Friday I called YFU and I was notified that my multitude of short essays I had written has rewarded me with a $6000 scholarship! With still about $2500 or so more to pay I was on my way to my dream experience; being a foreign-exchange student!
Here I will record every step in the process of my travels that comes next, including orientations, mail from YFU, departure and all my adventures in Japan!
Stay tuned~