It's official! I'm going to Yamasa!

[J44xm]

After a literal last-minute application submission back in November, a mad scramble to obtain the documentation necessary for the Japanese Immigration Bureau in two days, and a lot of torturous waiting, I've finally received word from Immigration that I am approved for a student visa so that I may study at The Yamasa Institute in Okazaki in Aichi prefecture ! I received the e-mail a few hours ago. At last, at last, at last. I cannot express to you the significance and importance of this. I want to thank all of you who have supported me in my studies thus far. (And thanks to Glennさん for mentioning the school to me in the first place, just in the nick of time.) I leave from Texas (in the USA) on April 2. (Thanks for the pointer to IACE for flight information.)

これから、よろしくおねがいします。

 

[godppgo]

Congratulation J44xm,

I've been looking for a language school in Japan for a while. I've considered Yamasa because I really like the location of the school which is not in any of the big cities. How long did it take you to get confirmation from Yamasa? It seems like it has taken you several months to get a confirmation from them. I am planning on doing a short program during the coming summer and just wondering if it's too late to apply.

 

[J44xm]

Thank you. I began the application process back in November; however, the slow pace of the process is largely because of Japan's Immigration Bureau. The thing is, I think that most of Yamasa's programs start as often as every month. The clincher is whether or not you'll need a student visa (shugakusei). Student visas are only issue for April and October commencements, but other visas for shorter stays are available more often. I don't really know any details beyond that, but Yamasa's website does have a lot of information.

In short, though, I think there's at least a pretty good chance that you can still apply for a summer program.

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[epigene]

おめでとうございます！！

二年間の勉強で、すごく上手になるでしょうね！！

楽しみです！

 

[J44xm]

どうもありがとう。待てないとおもいます！（もちろん、必要ですね。）

 

[Glenn]

Congratulations, J44xm! I'm glad I could help you out. I'm sure you'll do great there.

Aichi, you say? There's a possibility we could get together in Japan with Mikawa.

 

[Damicci]

Oh you lucky bastard.
Congratulations. Study hard.

 

[epigene]

I am planning on doing a short program during the coming summer and just wondering if it's too late to apply.

The Japanese are well-known for bureaucratic red tape. This has been complicated by circumstances since 9/11 and the immigration authorities' effort to curb illegals.

If you're planning to apply for a summer program, I suggested you do it and apply for a visa as soon as possible.

 

[J44xm]

Thanks, Glenn. We'll definitely have to do that.
Damicci, don't I know it! And believe you me, I will.

 

[undrentide]

J44xmさん、よかったですね。
４月からがんばってくださいね。
（学校の勉強も、日本での生活も楽しいものとなりますように！）

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Congratulations!!!
Here's to your continued Japanese studies!

I'm with Glenn: we'll have to get together for a beer or two....or three....

Soon you'll be "Mikawa J44xm"! hahaha

 

[Elizabeth]

御入学、おめでとうございます！

四月から、新しい言葉、学校、土地に慣れるので、精一杯がんばってくださいね！
私たちと連絡を取ってくださいね。

 

[J44xm]

Thank you both! (I wish I could write this in Japanese, but this computer hath no IME.) Don't worry--I'll definitely still be visiting. ^_^

(It's amusing that I kind of feel like Densha Otoko right now.)

 

[Elizabeth]

I sincerely hope the Japan experience is all that you are anticipating, J44xm. For myself , it's a little conflictual....I couldn't live without returning for a brief stay every 8-10 weeks but I can't say I like the way of life enough to want to become a full-time resident either. Maybe I'm not interested enough in the culture outside of language or I've just seen too much of the infuriating, unsavory sides....or I'm just biding my time to marry into it with an older, conservative b-friend -- which may turn into a very, very long wait...