And It Begins!

Well, really, it began in early November when I walked into the foreign advising office and found out I could go abroad as early as April. I was late applying though, and so everything had to be rushed. My initial application, multitudes of forms and signatures included, was submitted within a week of that first visit. It was crazy getting everything together in time, but as with most such things, it preceded the longest waiting period I could imagine. I found out later that I had applied right around the time they (my university that is, Akita International) were sending out acceptance letters. Consequently, I did not get mine until yesterday. It's so pretty and official though!

Sooooo Preeeetttyyyy

Also, I want to take a moment here and point out how ridiculously adorable the AIU mascot is. It's a little happy green dog. And it's on almost every official document I get from them. I believe it's name is One-chan, which is a play on the Japanese onomatopoeia for barking (ワンーワン , pronounced "wan-wan").

Look at him! He's so tiny and green and welcoming! 

Anyways, I am still not done with the application/admittance process. Currently most of what I am doing to this end is paperwork. Piles and piles of paperwork.

Pictured here for your convenience!

It will be worth it though. I also purchased my ticket today (hence the passport photobombing that picture of paperwork) which was an interesting time in and of itself. I'm leaving so soon. I hadn't expected to be able to leave in the spring. Originally, the plan had been to leave around September, stay abroad for a semester or so, and come back sometime before next summer. Instead, I am leaving in April (just two months from now!), staying until December (so I will be spending more time abroad than I have spent living in my house), and returning just as the winter holidays begin back home. A proper adventure, I'd say. 

Oh, this is the website of the school, for any who are interested: http://web.aiu.ac.jp/en/