Going Abroad to Japan

Alright so I've a question for those of you who have studied/are studying abroad.

I've sent in my application to a school in Niigata and it's currently being processed. I may not know if I've been accepted or not until the end of August or the beginning of September. The school semester starts mid October, so I'll want to leave for Japan at the end of September/beginning of October.

How long does it take to apply for/receive a student visa from a Japanese Embassy? Is it feesable that I can get one in only 2-3 weeks?

I am currently in the process of writing a documentary for my senior thesis in school and i was hoping to get some feedback. I need to choose which topics to cover in my segments and I want to hear what the audience of the prospective film would like to see.

If you can, please visit my LJ for more information as well as a list of possible topics.

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

-Cate

Konnichiwa!

Hello there. I'll try to keep this short.

I've started learning Japanese here in Portugal, but due to my schedules, I had to quit, because I didn't have much time to study.

I have a great passion for Japan, it's language and it's culture, and so I was thinking of combining all of this (when financially possible). What I mean is, I take some time off, and when on vacations (IN JAPAN), I could study the language at the same time!!! [I don't now if I'm being clear]

Anyway, the reason of this post is to ask for advice and some feedback of schools. I've found so many on the www but not really sure which one to pick.

I also would like to ask, what do you think is the minimum time to learn the basic? Like a month or so, in an intensive course?

[on the feedback please refer to all aspects you can remember, such as class schedules, course fees, other activities, if the school has a dorm, teaching methods... and so on]

Arigatou gozaimasu


xxxposted to other communities

I'm going to Japan later this year, and I'm looking for advice on where to visit. I've looked at travel guides and whatnot, but there are so many places to visit I'm looking to narrow down the GIGANTIC list of possibilities. Where in Japan have you gone to sightsee? What time of year did you go to visit? Was it crowded?

I've been looking at all kinds of things, from Kiyomizudera to Tokyo Tower to the Takarazuka Revue. But Japan has so much to do that I can't seem to make up my mind on anything.

Time is almost a non-issue, since I'll be there for almost an entire year. I'll be living and going to school in the Tokyo area, but I'm really open to visit anywhere in the country.

I'm interested in any suggestions you guys could give me. Thanks so much for you help!

Does anyone know of any student programs in Kyoto? I would like to be there for a year. It doesn't matter if it's for Japanese classes, homestay, dorm style - anything will do. I just need to be there.

Also, can anyone recommend study abroad scholarships?

Thanks! 

(x-posted to various places)

Anyone know of a restaurant in Kyoto that serves turkey? 

Sorry if I raep your friends list with multiple community posting :) This is just a copy and paste from my journal entry, so sorry if it sounds a little .... disorganized. If this isn't allowd, mods can delete the post.

+ + + + +

'm wondering if I should apply for Sophia University as well.... I did hear about the school, and kinda researched it, before but the tuition was a little higher than ICU's. They also admit far less students it seems, 60 foriegners for Freshman status. The things that set me off from Sophia is that its smack in the middle of the Tokyo metropolitan, I dont want to be in the metropolitan and the dorms are like non-existant. Though, their hip hop dance team is really good, G-Splash, and it has a very "interesting" alumni (Crystal Kay being one of them... well, she still attends. If I were to be accepted and attend next year, she'll be a senior).

The second application deadline is in June, compared to ICU's March... so I have time but... I don't know, opinions?

x-posted: blacks_in_japan ryuugakusee japanese nihon f0reignexchange

I'm getting ready to mail out my application (using really expensive mailing thingies that they recommended thus making me broke on top of the application fee of like 250 bucks) and before I send everything out, I wanted to confirm something -> Must I enclude a copy of my HS diploma? I did make a copy but I wasn't sure since they say they only want my ACT/SAT scores and transcripts.

I'm applying as a Regular September student.

x-posted blacks_in_japan icu_tokyo ryuugakusee

Hi everyone!

I will be leaving on the Saturday the 25th for Kansai Gaidai University and I just thought I'd see if anyone else has gone to this school.
Also, I wanted to know if anyone has any advice on how to bring my money over. I have some money I'm bringing with me right away and then I have to wait for the rest from financial aid; how should I bring the money (cash, debit card, etc.) for my arrival?

Thank you much!
Tori