So last Friday I went to the Japanese Consulate to get my visa. I was nervous going in because on the website it said I needed to bring my certificate of eligibility, which you can only get from Japan. However, it seems as though it wasn't needed because the guy didn't even mention it. The visa process didn't take very long. I waited maybe 10 minutes, got to the counter and took another 10 minutes, then we were out. AND the visa was free!! Thank goodness!
The visa I applied for was a general (student) visa. Basically all you have to do for this is an application form (which is pretty simple compared to others I've seen), a picture of yourself, a permission form from your parents if your a minor (I just went online and printed one that I found), and your passport which you will have to leave with them so that the can put your visa inside (it was kind of unsettling to hand over my passport). In addition to this I had to have my guarantee forms, my certificate of admission (from my host school), and a rotary hosting guarantee form.
So that is how I applied for my visa. It's supposed to be ready to pick up on July 9th but I am going to be in Alberta for 2 weeks, so I'll just have to pick it up when I get back.
Also on Wednesday, July 2, I had to do a presentation about myself to one of my rotary clubs that is sponsoring me. I was extremely nervous but I made them laugh a few times which is always a good sign. I talked a bit about my family, and a few things I like to do. Then I talked about my host school and family. My mother also added her own 2 cents in.
It was difficult to get up that morning because the meeting started at 7am, which meant that I had to get there a little bit early to set up my PowerPoint. I was exhausted, especially since I had to go and babysit for the rest of the day afterwards.
A friend gave me a book titled "A Bilingual Handbook on Japanese Culture", which is awesome. It has a lot of information in it ranging from; the country of Japan - traditional culture - modern Japanese lifestyle - japan seen through its nature.
I cannot wait to read it!
Also while I've been in Alberta I was able to buy some Japanese language books, which I have been utilizing to the the fullest.
さよなら!! Bye!!
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