The Japanese students are still with their host families, so for today I will give an update on just about all the other behind-the-scenes stuff::
I’ve been busy for a while with the exchange students, but in the background things are still moving forward on my trip. The visa is ready in Japan, so I had to fill out an application to get that and supply yet another picture. If you ever try teaching overseas, plan on getting at least 6 copies of your passport photo just to save time later. I hope they hurry up and get it sent over here soon. I’m not especially worried, but I see no reason to cut it too close. I also had to provide proof of insurance for the time I’d be there too. If you are under 30, the insurance is $7.50 a week, which isn’t bad. For a 40-year-old geezer like me, it’s closer to $21 a week. Still not bad, but paying in advance in a lump sum was not fun. The insurance is also only good for a six-month maximum trip. That’s fine for this trip, but I wonder how it would work for a longer-term assignment?
The last I heard my Japan partner had not signed his paperwork so his visa wasn’t being processed yet nor had he turned in anything for insurance. He wasn’t answering the teacher’s emails either. I am just not sure what to think about him at this point. I know he really really wanted to go, but he’s just not making any real effort. I know he bought a ticket on the same flight as me, but I bet I wind up going alone. For a long time I thought it would be good to have an American go along, especially one that I know, but I have gotten to the stage where I am completely ambivalent about it. Whatever happens, happens.
Grades for the summer are mostly in. I got three A’s for sure (two from TEFL classes and one from the Memoir class) but two more classes are still waiting for grades. One of those two (the practicum) I won’t actually get a grade until November.
As far as my own preparation goes, I finally bought some suitcases, two big 26″ wheeled monstrosities and a carry-on bag. They’re nice, but I probably paid too much. Maybe not- safety is important, and they do have a long way to go. I was able to find my baggage requirements at the United Airlines site. I also found this neat site, seatguru.com, which shows “maps” of various styles of airplanes. I can look at my e-ticket to read my seat numbers and see on the map where I am going to be seated.
My laptop’s wireless functions are extremely flaky and I think the internal wireless card is wearing out. I’m told the apartment in Japan does have a weak wireless signal, so I want to be able to use it. After a week or two of worrying and indecision, I just ordered a new laptop. I had a hard time deciding whether to go with a sub-$500 “cheapie” laptop that I wouldn’t have to worry about much, or get a good reliable laptop that I really wanted, but would have to watch like a hawk over there. I went with the latter, and my new Apple Macbook should be here later in the week. I’ve used Apple before, and I know their service, even worldwide, is excellent. Plus I got a student discount and a free iPod (it’s still expensive though).
Laptop. Plane Tickets. Luggage. Insurance. Ouch! This affordable educational trip has snowballed into quite an expensive little move, but I wanted a new laptop anyway and the luggage should last practically forever. Without the laptop, what I’m getting paid for working with the exchange students this month would have covered it all, but the laptop put it over the top. Argh!
On the small side, I bought a bunch of clothes, and a couple of neat books, Dirty Japanese and Survival Japanese. The Survival book is a tiny little phrasebook that I can easily carry in my pocket. I had hoped to learn enough Japanese over the summer that it wouldn’t be necessary, but that hasn’t happened. As far as describing the “Dirty Japanese” book, I’ll let you check the link yourself. heh-heh. Actually the book has some very simple grammar instructions, so it will be useful.
I still have to verify my mailing address over there and print up mailing labels for the folks back here. I have to figure out what to do about my prescriptions. I still need to pick up some supplies. I have to verify my return date and buy a return ticket. I’m sure there are plenty of other things to do, but it’s all coming together so quickly I’m getting lost. The Japanese students are going home next Friday morning so that leaves me half a day on Friday, plus 5 days after that to get everything together and tie up ALL my loose ends.
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