So much to do before my trip and these next two weeks will zoom by like the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train)!
Some of my tasks are more complete than others.
I can’t believe it! I was selected to go to Japan this summer as part of an international educators to Japan program!!! This includes a home stay, sight seeing and school visits. During the school visits, I will observe their classroom as well as teach a lesson to the Japanese students. I’m a little nervous but keep reminding myself that I already teach ELL kids and it should be similar. Right? 
I feel so honored to be part of this program and will post my thoughts on my blog as the days get closer and of course, during the two-week trip.
How did this happen? First, I attended a Japanese School Open House — pretty amazing stuff — and learned about the IEJ program. Then, I was recommended by my school principal and submitted an essay about why I should be selected. I’m pretty blessed because they received applications from all over the world and they picked me! Woohoo!
We will be about 30 participants in the 2011 program — from Michigan, California, Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Canada, UK and Belgium. I can’t wait to meet everyone.
So — how do I prepare for this (other than updating my passport)? Well — I decided I want to learn as much as I can about the Japanese culture, the country and the language prior to the visit. So far, I’ve learned a little Japanese etiquette (from AT&T On Demand) and I’ve checked out a number of library books and programs. Of course, I’m not going to be fluent by summer, but something is better than nothing, right?
Just today, I received a tentative schedule and it looks like I’ll start out in Tokyo, go to Hiroshima and then end up in Kyoto. I plan to meet up with my brother-in-law who lives near Kyoto. It’s wonderful that I have family in Japan who I’ll get to visit. So excited!!
So….today’s word of the day is Konnichi wa — hello. Simple, but it’s a start.
If you’ve traveled to Japan, post your advice here!
