In class we had to take the STAMP test which is a language proficiency test. There are four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I have taken this test before and I am assuming I will be at the same level. This test takes a very long time and helps our school know where we are in our learning of the language. It is also good practice for taking a Japanese test.
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During Spring Break I continued to work on my application to Okayama University. The University requires a health form which includes a chest x-rey (for TB I'm assuming). Once I was there and asked my doctor about everything, she had me not only get the x-rey but also the TB test (which hurts.... a lot). I was cleared and turned in my health forms to be signed. Annoyingly, for some reason my paperwork was denied and I had to go back in a week later and resubmit my forms. Now I only have a few more steps to complete before I send off my application and wait impatiently for a response.
Today in class we learned and discussed different ways and strategies to learn the language while abroad or in daily life. These strategies will help me learn the Japanese language in many ways through listening, reading, writing, speaking, translation, and vocabulary.
The main reason for this blog is to write down my experiences while I am abroad in Japan. This is a way for me to help process what I have been through, a place to look back on my memories in years to come, and maybe even a place for me to vent when I am stressed and am going through culture shock.
In class we came up with a few prompts for different stages while abroad, such as the arrival stage and months, after you have been there a while and have settled down, and at the end of your stay. Each of these prompts are there to help us with ideas on what to write about as well as expand on our experiences.
In my study abroad class, we learned about the possibility of culture shock and some ways to deal with the stress. We also talked about strategies that could help us take in the new culture with an open mind and thoughtfullness. There is a large possibility of culture shock happening, especially in a country like Japan, where they have a very different culture, social interactions and cues. Some of the strategies were to:
What do I wish to accomplish in Japan? I know this list will change and grow as I experience new things and spend more time in Japan, but for now these are the things that spring to mind.
My Long Term Goals: -To learn more about the historical and modern culture, become more proficient in the language, join a club on campus, and make life time bonds and friendships with the people I meet. My Short Term Goals: -To visit Tokyo Disney, experience a tea ceremony, visit a noodle shop and try as many new foods as possible, visit historical sites and temples. In order to achieve these goals I will need prepare a few things first, such as researching what cultural activities my school and the city has to offer, create a study plan that focuses on improving my language skills, and find out what the costs of travel throughout Japan is and how will I be traveling. What will this experience hold for me and how will I change throughout this process? Hello Everyone! My name is Jordyn, and on this blog I will be writing about my experience with studying abroad and the process that I had to go through. I will be uploading some of my homework assignments on this blog as well since this is also for my college class.
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