May 10th has been a date that I have been waiting a few months for. May 10th is the day I leave my home here in Michigan and I leave for a study abroad trip in Taiwan and Japan. I still remember how unsure I was originally to sign up for the trip, but after convincing from family and friends, I decided to go for it. Honestly, I couldn't be more pumped about the trip!
The first country we will be visiting is Taiwan. From my understanding, this portion of the trip will be led by Dr. Peng, who is one of the two professors leading the study abroad trip (the other being Dr. Laurence). In Taiwan, we will visit the cities of Taipei and Taichung City. In each city we will do various educational, cultural, and business visits. The portion of the trip in Japan will be similar. There, we will also have various educational, cultural, and business visits in a few different cities.
To be honest, I really do not know too much about Japan and Taiwan. While it is true that Japan is a place I have always wanted to visit, the reasons for that is more because I used to be a big fan of anime, a reader of manga, and played many video games (yes, I was a nerdy child, I've accepted that fact). Anyway, besides that, I have never really learned much more about either country, except for what has been taught in classes. That has just been more limited to basic knowledge though. For example, I know that Taiwan and Japan are both allies and trading partners for the United States and it is not uncommon to see "Made in Taiwan" on some products bought here in the United States. I also know Japan is a more crowded and busy country. Like I said, my current knowledge is limited.
The question I have been asked by everyone when they find out I am doing this trip is "Are you ready?". I never quite know how to take this question. Am I ready to leave? Am I ready to experience the different cultures? Am I ready to be completely outside my element? For the most part - yes. I've tried to really let myself open up to more experiences recently and I'm extremely excited for the experiences that are waiting for me overseas. I'm excited for the new foods, the new sights, the history, the fun (we're going to a Grand Sumo Tournament the first Friday we are in Japan!!!), just everything. I will say the one part I am not ready for is packing. I know I need to make a balance between bringing everything I need and making sure it is mobile enough that it won't hinder all the traveling we are going to be doing. Overall, I think I can truthfully say, "Yes, I'm ready".
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