After Mt. Fuji

SUNRISE ON THE TOP OF MT. FUJI

what a great feeling to be on top of Mt. Fuji and watching gorgeous sunrise...

We arrived 5 gome (half way to the top) at 1 pm, and climbed up for 4 hours. Then, we got to 8 gome (8/10 part of the mountain) a little after 6 pm. Then, we had dinner and rested until 11:30 pm. It was raining hard, dark, and cold. I wish rain would stop, but we were climbing through clouds, so it was just inevitable. For another 4 hours and a half, we climbed and climbed. It felt like it was endless. As dawn started to push away the darkness, and I felt nervous that I would not be able to make it to the top by sunrise. I had a goal to take a lifetime photo on the top because I do not think I would climb it again. For the last 30 minues, I hurried and ran up to the top. Luckily, when I arrived on the top, I had enough time to set up my camera and take a lifetime picture. By the way, I have to warn that it is a lot harder to climb down than up. My legs were shaking, and I felt like I was going to faint...

It was a great experience, and I recommend it to anyone who is planning to study in Japan. To me, it was like putting a period to my experience in Japan.

to 8 gome...

resting at 8 gome (8/10 part of Mt. Fuji)

raining hard, wet, cold, and dark....

right before sunrise at the top

WE DID IT!!!

Mt. FUJIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!

As many foreign students in Japan finish their adventure by climbing Mt. Fuji, 10 of us from our dorm are going to climb Mt. Fuji tomorrow. Yes, it is the tallest mountain in Japan. 3776m!!!!! It is going to take about 8 hours to climb up to the top... and I am extremely worried because we are all our of shape. We prepared so many stuff such as raincoat, headlight, sweets, gloves, and etc. I hope we can all see the sunrise together on the top...

more stories in the next episode~!!!

Yesterday, I finished my final exam at Keio. Although I was feeling horrible after taking one of the most difficult exams in my life, I was more overwhelmed with a feeling that I was done with Keio and my exchange student experience in Japan. It was such a weird feeling that I did not know what to do when it was over. I sat down on a bench in the campus, and just thought about how my year was. I could not express how much I grew and gained from this experience. I am confident to tell that I am much different from before I came. Definitely a positive result!!!

It is too sad to think about leaving Japan, but in a way, it feels like I am going back to a reality from one sweet dream. For the next few weeks, I will be busy with good-bye's, but I still do not feel like I am ready...

Good-bye!!! friends and Keio!!!

Looking for a job in Japan?

Are you looking for a job in Japan? Then, here is one of the easiest way to find one.

On July 2nd & 3rd, a job fair was held in Odaiba, Tokyo, and it was for Japanese-English bilinguals. Since I am in Japan, I wanted to give a shot to find one. I went on the first day, and it was full of Japanese and foreigners. At first, I was a little intimidated, but soon I felt more comfortable as I had more conversation and interviews. I only visited booths that are related to finance, and it was quite interesting to find out that I might have a chance.

I really recommend to visit these job fairs with you are interested in working in Japan. The biggest one is held in Boston, and there would be more opportunities there.

Here is the website!

http://www.careerforum.net/index.asp?lang=E

By the way, I was called to come the next day for another interview, and it really felt like that I was going to get the job, but we will see.....

many students in suits preparing for interviews

Odaiba and Fuji TV on the right

on the way back to Tokyo

Last chance!

before the game

Since Keio lost to Waseda every game that I attended, it made me nervous to see a soccer match. I really wanted to see one game that Keio could win. It was my last chance last week. Although Keio won other games such as field hockey and basketball, my presence seemed to be a bad luck even if I cheer my heart out.
I had a hope in the beginning when we scored first two goals, but as expected, Waseda soon caught up by the end of the first half.

And by the end of the game, it was 4 to 2 Waseda.....
The game was really exciting, and I strongly believe that we had a good chance to win. It was too bad to see that chance slip away.........

cheering!!!


... after the game...

Study Abroad Fair

Last Wednesday, Study Abroad Fair was held in Hiyoshi Campus. I was there as a volunteer to help anyone who wants to study in Hawaii or America. Generally, America was a popular spot for students for their study abraod destination. It is said that over 1500 students were there to find their favorite spot to spend a meaningful semester or year away from home. I strongly conveyed that this is a lifetime opportunity as I am having one at the moment.

It was too bad that there were not that many students desiring to study in Hawaii. It seems that they considered it only as a vacation spot as it is known.

Representatives of Hawaii

Best dorm in Japan!!!

Last month, a newsreporter from Asahi Newpaper visited to cover stories on our dorm. It was great to be interviewed as an international student living in the dorm which is considered as the place for cross-cultural experience. Our dorm is the first dorm to promote such an environment in Japan. Unlike the other dorms, there actually are more events and opportunities to intermingle with Japanese students. I am excited everyday to be here, and happy that I am here now having great experience and sharing friendship with others. I definitely suggest SHIMODA STUDENT VILLAGE to international students coming to Keio University!!!

Here is the article if you are interested.
http://www.asahi.com/edu/news/TKY200805190159.html