I'm applying to study abroad in Japan for the Fall, yet I'm not even sure if I can. It's quite a painful reality actually. Not all is lost, but it just seems like I've always been a step behind in the things I do in life.

I'm remaining optimistic, however. If there is a will, there is most definitely a way.

It's not that I can't apply, because that I can do. The problem then lies in the actual process and financing my trip, which comes out to something like $15,000 for about a semester or so at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo (or actually Yokohama).

The deadline is fast approaching for the application, which is this Friday, but not only am I underwhelmed by my financial situation, but also because I feel as if I am not prepared. Always, always I seem to be a step behind. Maybe it's from being in a military family, always having to move every other odd year to a new place and starting all over again. Whatever it is, I always feel like I need to play catchup to get ahead in life.

Boo.

Categories: personal thoughts [t]

yea, I'm a big believer in what you said in that last sentence, and hopefully it will be a way!
» CPKviperpheonix on 2008-01-14 02:50:28

How can you really say whether or not you're ahead in life? How do you gauge that? Is it by comparing yourself to other poeple and analyzing whether or not they're "ahead" of you? I don't know, it just seems impossible to know whether or not you're ahead of where you want to be because you never really know where life is going to take you.

That was confusing >_< Sorry.

Anyways, studying abroad is a daunting idea for me, but if you're the type of person who loves to go out of your comfort zone (not me) than you'll have a blast in Japan. Honestly I'm a little bit annoyed with American culture at the moment, so take advantage of experiencing the culture of the Japanese. Bring back a samuari sword or something.

Just kidding, REAL ones aren't even made anymore I don't think :P
» The-Muffin-Man on 2008-01-14 06:38:12

Yeah.... that whole study abroad thing, I can't do. :/

My gpa is too low.

That's alright, I am graduating this semester. Or Else.
» ikimashokie on 2008-01-14 08:26:50

money is always the hindrance of things and even dreams. i almost lost my chance to study abroad but i was fortunate to get scholarship. and also my family is willing to pay my lodging. other than that, i did my prayers like crazy while waiting for the scholarship results. have u heard of nichiren daishonin buddhism?

have u gotten any financial assistance?

don't give up. don't forget to take actions other than being optimistic.


» renaye on 2008-01-14 09:37:42

I know how you feel.. I currently want to go to this university in Manchester but I know the chance of me actually going there is really slim due to the same problem that you are facing. Only that if I were to go there it'd be like RM78000 a year because 1 Pound is like RM7.
» Nuttz on 2008-01-15 03:34:51

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