Going to Go! Pre departure posting 2

I'm leaving for Japan in two days. My flight is at 9:45 a.m. from Pittsburgh International airport. Packing has been an adventure. Previously I haven't been able to fit a whole semester's worth of stuff into one car, yet alone just one suit case, a little bag, and a backpack. So far it's working out, except I don't have any extra space for everything I know I'm going to buy..... that means I have to send stuff home, and with shipping prices the way they are ($60+)...... that seems an expensive option. Well, I don't want to lug around extra suitcase just so I have room for what I'm taking back with me, so it looks like I'm going to make just enough room instead of an extra suitcase.

It's a little surreal right now. I never really believed that this would happen, I never really thought that all of my work would really make me go to Japan. I guess this is all a learning exercise in my own influence on my life. 

See you on the other side of the Pacific!

Getting Ready for Japan: Predeparture Posting 1

I'm studying abroad in Japan this spring in Tokyo at Temple University Japan Campus even though I'm a Youngstown State University student.

There are lots of things to do before going abroad, I'm pretty far along, but it's just getting to the point of making sure everything is ready.

All I have left is one essay, an application, waiting for my visa, waiting to hear about my schedule, and waiting for the results of my scholarship applications. Also, need to buy supplemental insurance, apply for a credit card, and buy a camera and some new clothes.

The whole process is more complicated than I was lead to believe, and if it weren't for the TUJ staff I'd be feeling pretty left out in the open.