こんにちは、みなさん！Konnichiwa, everyone!

Today I sent off my VISA application, which was a nerve-wrecking experience in itself. My semester 1 2016 does not begin until April in Japan [I cannot wait to see Japan’s famous cherry blossoms!]; so I am making the most of my time off with family and friends before my upcoming exchange for one-year duration to Japan’s Chuo University in the suburbs of Tokyo, where I will be studying my last year as part of my Bachelor of International Studies major, Japanese [in combination with Bachelor of Business].

It has only been a short time since returning from Kyoto, Japan [where] I was fortunate enough to attend an intensive language winter school as part of my bachelor for a month in affiliation with the University of Adelaide and Ritsumeikan University of Kyoto. During my time there I met a lot of amazing people and had some incredible experiences, as well as learnt many things.

The study tour was a perfect interlude for my upcoming exchange, where I hope to have many more amazing experiences and diverge even further into my Japanese language-learning journey. Of course I am scared and nervous, as I will not be back in Australia until 2017! As for packing, I have left the majority of my luggage untouched apart from additional extras.

I cannot wait to begin my life at Chuo University in Tokyo and cannot wait to see what future adventures await me.

I am extremely looking forward to some incredible opportunities and memories surely awaiting me in Tokyo!　私は東京に行くのを楽しみにしています！

Until next time!

Stephanie Egidio, a Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary Schooling), Bachelor of Arts student, Semester 1 2016 exchange at Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan