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

Izu Adventure

During Golden Week (several Japanese holidays that occur during the first week of May), I planned to rest myself because it would be my last long holidays before leaving Japan. On the other hand, I did wanted to do something memorable like a short trip around Tokyo.

So, we decided to rent a car and travel to Izu Peninsula. Our goals were to experience all-you-can-eat-strawberry farm, and to see the ocean. We first had a trouble getting used to driving on the left side of the road, but after a while, it became natural. Also, all-you-can-eat-strawberry farm was definitely a must. I strongly recommend everyone to experience it. Lucky, the day we went was the last day of the season. The owner suggested that it would be more delicious in the winter. and the beach... coming from Hawaii, I am surprisingly amazed by Japanese beaches, but it had a different feeling to it.

My recommendation...

1. Make sure you get an international liscense before you study abroad

2. Give enough time to adjust yourself to the opposite side of the road

3. If possible, plan at least a two-day trip to Izu Penninsula ( I felt like it was too short)

All-you-can-eat-strawberry farm

Shimoda where Japanese opened to American trade by Commodore Matthew Perry

Perry road in Shimoda

Keio vs. Waseda

"Kei-So sen" refers to sports matches between Keio and Waseda, the rivalry schools. Every semester there are several sports matches between these two school, and it is such an exciting event. Among them, baseball is the most popular game.

Last semester, I could not go to the game. This time, I am going to try to go to as many as possible. The first one that I was able to witness was an American football game. I was excited to see how Japanese students would play American football.

During the game, there were several rules that I did not make any sense, but overall, it was very exciting. Of course, I expected Keio to win, but they just handed over the whole game in the last a few minutes. I had fun watching the game, and am excited to go to different sports games.

I think the next one will be either baseball or tennis...

cheerleaders~