The Perils of Total Immersion

When you study a language, you have to choose how much you will throw yourself into the language, culture, history etc. of your chosen country. My usual technique is just about in the middle, I think; I have a general knowledge of all things Japanese and I enjoy the occasional foray into their music and television.

Over the past few weeks, though, I have found myself slipping into a state of what can be called Total Immersion. In order to improve my language skills and cultural knowledge before being thrown screaming into the airport, I have been listening to Japanese music, watching Japanese television, reading Japanese books and magazines, and I even found a live stream to Japanese radio. My ability has definitely improved, or at least my confidence, but total immersion has its drawbacks.

Having watched so many dramas in which people bow down to apologise, it now seems strange if they don't. I find myself thanking people with "arigatou", saying "sou.." when thinking about things, and being surprised when I'm not greeted in shops with cries of "irasshaimase!" (welcome!) I even had a dream half in Japanese the other night. This wouldn't be so bad if I were living in a house with other Japanese speakers, but unfortunately "tadaima!" (I'm home!) draws nothing but blank stares from my mother.

I suppose it's only good practise for the real thing. When I'm there, I'll probably notice a million things that English people do and Japanese don't.

The Application Process

So I thought I should write something about what I've done so far, to apply for the place at Hiroshima University.

We had to start the process all the way back in January, when we were told which university we were going to and got the application forms. We were allowed to choose whether to go inside or outside Tokyo, and I chose out, because Tokyo famously costs twice as much to live in as anywhere else. I filled in ten or so forms, one of which was a ridiculously detailed medical form, including amusing questions such as "Does the patient show signs of unusual mental behaviour?" and assessments of hearing and speech. "Any problems with hearing or speech?" asked the doctor, almost jokingly.

I also had to have an eye test. I've never had an eye test before, but as it turns out, they're great fun, because my eyesight has always been excellent and I can quite easily read the little letters at the bottom. I was tempted to start reading them in a Scottish accent and confuse her.

The application process was incredibly dull, but there is of course more to come. I still have to obtain a visa, buy plane tickets, get travel insurance and probably some other things I've forgotten. Looking forward to all that, then.

And So It Begins

As of this morning, it's official - I'm off to Japan in September.
This is the compulsory third year of my degree in Japanese Studies, studying at a Japanese university (in my case, Hiroshima) for a whole year. And I'm going alone, thanks to some strict rules and an unfortunate incident involving the current exchange student.

My exam results weren't the best. Ironically, I've been getting much better marks in every non-language module, which is worrying for my prospects in a language degree, but I needed a pass and I got a pass so I shouldn't be complaining.

About this blog, though: I will try my best to keep it going throughout the year, writing about my experiences, the people, the place, and probably the temperature. And lots of photos. I'm better at photos than I am at writing.

But before I go, there is the matter of all the preparation - so I'll write about that too.

Enjoy...