About a week ago, study abroad students received an email from MIX that strongly suggested that we are to cancel our study abroad to Japan due to the spread of COVID-19. Right now, Japan is a Level 2 country, meaning that increased precautions should be taken while visiting. So far, nearly all of the students that I know that planned to go to Japan have cancelled their plans and will stay in Hawaii.
So far, I have not decided for certain whether I plan to continue my study abroad or to cancel it. Studying abroad in Japan has been my dream and goal since my freshman year of college, and the thought of letting it go this semester is hard. However, with the growing concern of COVID-19, the thought of cancelling is starting to become a reality. Personally, I am not really concerned about the virus itself, especially since the virus is shown to affect the elderly more than young people. However, what has been concerning me is the growing amounts of cancellations, increased amounts of stores and venues being closed, and wondering about whether the overall mood and atmosphere will be ruined due to fear of the virus. Right now, I am waiting for the next week or two to see if things change with the virus that will push me to go to Japan or stay home. The following are some of the pros and cons that I am currently weighing: Go to Japan Pros: Fulfill dream of studying abroad in Hawaii, ability to meet new people in Japan, possibly experience Japan in a unique setting, already planned on leaving Cons: Possibility of cancellations/closures, change of mood in Japan due to fear of COVID-19, not much people I know studying abroad there anymore Stay in Hawaii Pros: Being able to do things at home (continue working, band, etc.), ability to be close to home Cons: Delaying graduation a semester if I decide to study abroad in Spring 2021, not fulfilling dream of studying abroad in Japan if I want to still graduate Spring 2021, dealing with cancellations/fees
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So currently, I am still preparing to leave for Sophia University since I do not leave until March 26, the designated arrival date is not until April 1, and school does not start until April 13. Therefore, I technically have a 3 month break until I leave. Until then, I have been working two part-time jobs, working on a couple projects, and playing in the Concert Band at UH Manoa (beside preparing to go abroad of course). Here are a couple things that I have been preparing for Sophia:
Housing I found out about my housing on January 6. I was placed in DK House Shinkoiwa, which is about 30-40 minutes outside of Tokyo. Right now, I'm quite happy with my dorm choice since it seems like a nice, clean place that is not too far of a commute from school. I'm hoping to meet other students from Sophia and make new friends there. Certificate of Eligibility and Visa Surprisingly, the process for getting the visa was pretty easy. After receiving my CoE and official acceptance letter from MIX in early February, I just needed to bring my CoE, the visa application, my passport, and my passport head shot to the Consulate General, and I was in and out within about 5-10 minutes. Information regarding what to bring can be found here: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/visa/study-college.html |
AuthorHello! My name is Kelsey, and I will be traveling to Japan in Spring 2020. Follow my adventures here! ArchivesCategories |