The First Few Steps

Of course the very first step in going to a foreign country was to find a program/school. Using simple elimination I began searching for the perfect school for me. I quickly ruled out anything that was less than 6 weeks long because I wanted to be in Japan for as long as possible! Next I decided that I did not want to stay in some dormitory while there, I wanted to live with a host family for sure, and a couple more were eliminated. Then, my mother (god bless her she is such a good support!) found the perfect school!

This program was privately run by the school I would be attending, and would host me for either 4 months, or 1 year. Obviously I jumped at the 4 month program because, as I would have to earn all the money myself in the next couple years, the cheapest option is always the best option!

Now that I had found the perfect school it was time to start researching. I am a big planning kind of person, when I have a goal which I am excited for I plan out every single detail because it makes me feel like I have less to do (if I haven't planned something then I always feel overwhelmed!).

First and foremost...money. How much money would I need to earn in the long-run? How often a week would I need to work in order to earn this much money?

Next, what did I need in order to qualify for this program? How much Japanese would I need to know? How much longer did I need to study before I should apply? What grades did I need to get?

Last of all, what other technical details did I need to cover before applying? When do I get a passport? HOW do I get a passport? What would I need for the application form?

And each of these "little" steps have stories in and of themselves...