Monday, March 30, 2015

The End of a Journey: 道の終わり

The past fortnight has been really hectic, with tying a lot of loose ends, spending a lot of time with my girlfriend, and... returning to Australia. By the way, I've been back home since the 21st of this month in case you were wondering.

Looking back on the past year, I am really glad that I decided to undertake on such a great opportunity to study in Japan - more specifically at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. Not only did I gain greater proficiency in Japanese compared to when I first arrived in Kyoto, but I have experienced many things and places, made many new friends - and met a very special someone. Admittedly, the last few days before I left were really difficult for the both of us, though we did spend everyday together doing things, whether it be cooking and eating together at my dorm, watching movies, eating out at more well known cafes and restaurants, to even just helping me send my parcels back to Australia. We also went to Arashiyama, which was a really fun experience, even if it wasn't quite spring at that time. Despite all this, we have decided to continue being together (albeit in a long distance relationship), and we have continued to stay in regular contact. However, I am planning to return to Kyoto in August for a little over a week to be with my girlfriend, and once again in January. 

Ultimately, my goal is to work in Japan, and I am hoping to accomplish this by next year (pending on my results of last semester at Ryukoku University). In the meantime, I want to pass N2 for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, keep up to scratch with my Japanese conversation skills by finding a club if possible (and regularly talking with my girlfriend), and to continue researching on possible companies that I want to work for in Japan. I have already begun asking around, though the JET Programme seems to be the most recommended option, despite my hesitation that I will most likely not get my preference of working at a school in Kyoto. At the very least, I would like to work at a school that is near Kyoto, just so it will be easier to stay in contact with my girlfriend while she is still studying .
Oh, and the other thing I want to do is find some work, though one of my old bosses has offered me some temporary work in the meantime - hopefully that will expand to at least next year, though I have been assured six weeks to fill in for someone who will be on leave during that time. I'll most certainly know more about the situation when I speak to my old boss later this week.

So as it is, I'll leave this blog up for people who are interested in wanting to know a little bit more about living in Japan (as a student).

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