おはようございます！

A few days later, and I am now settled in my dorm with my Internet set up! Orientation has been taking up a lot of my time – it sounds boring, but it’s really great to meet new people and get a grip on the area! Although I admit I was, at first, a bit nervous to meet new people, it’s been wonderful: one of the best things about study abroad is that everyone in the program has a similar interest in the area, so making friends is natural.

I’ll be staying in the women’s dormitory – アンペロス (literally: “Anperosu”) – though a majority of my friends are in home stay. If the option is available, I highly recommend choosing to live with a family, especially if a foreign language is being studied; this way, you’re surrounded by it all the time. (Personally, I chose the women’s dormitory because my various allergies and dietary restrictions would inconvenience a family.)

Nagasaki, thus far, is beautiful (this word, honestly, sums up a lot about Japan). It’s very mountainous, so I’m certainly getting my exercise in. Of course, public transportation is readily available; however, saving money and seeing the neighborhoods is more beneficial right now!

Anyway, a group of us are about to go explore some more! I think we’re seeing a shrine – look forward to pictures! Talk to you soon!

<3<3<3 & c(__),

Amina

I’m in Fukuoka, Japan! After a grueling 26 hours – the plane went from New York to Vancouver to Hong Kong to Fukuoka – I am at the hotel, exhausted. I have also discovered two things (of great, vital importance!) to consider when traveling for study abroad: layover times and jet lag.

One: make sure you have enough layover time! I had one hour in Hong Kong… which sounds pretty good, until I realized I had to get from Gate 65 to Gate 19 in approximately thirty minutes (because 1) it takes a while to get off a plane and 2) boarding time was twenty minutes before departure). Needless to say, my memories of Hong Kong International Airport are a tad blurred.

Two: jet lag! Everyone who has traveled across time zones knows it happens… and, when you’re essentially moving thirteen hours ahead, it’s crazy! Although I tried to adjust my sleeping habits, I’m still completely exhausted, and I hear it’s normal for the first few days. To everyone out there who wants to travel: try to adjust your sleeping habits in advance, if possible. Your body will thank you!

Anyway, my first impression of Japan: it’s absolutely beautiful. The sakura (cherry blossom) trees have flowered a bit early this year, which means I didn’t get to see them budding, but still! They’re absolutely breathtaking. And the country is so clean! I’m a bit overwhelmed by it all, so hopefully I’ll later have a more coherent report.

Either way, I’m heading to sleep now. I’ll have another blog post when I’m in Nagasaki, settled down at the school!

<3<3<3 & c(__),

Amina

Hey All!

My name is Amina and I’ll be blogging for the next few months about my study abroad trip to Nagasaki, Japan! I’m usually a student at Brooklyn College – which makes me living proof that you don’t have to be a New Paltz student to go on one of their great study abroad trips – where I’m a senior. I’m writing my English thesis on Japanese literature, which is my main reason for picking this particular program.

The study abroad process is – I won’t lie – exhausting. There are piles of forms to fill out, embassies to visit, things to clarify, doctors to see, and bags to pack (the packing is the worst!) but, at the end of it, it should all be worth it. So for those of you out there who are considering a study abroad, don’t let all this daunt you! Pick a place you really want to visit and go for it!

I hope all of you will continue reading over the next few months – I promise, it should get more interesting! I’ll be flying out tonight, so, when I’m all set up in Nagasaki, I’ll be posting again! See you until then!

<3<3<3 & c(__),

Amina