Journal#1 [Eng]

Since there are many things happen to me during this period, I decided to keep journals as my reminder. The formal ones will be written in English and the explicit contents will be in Thai.

I have come to Japan to study master degree courses. I know from the start that it would not be easy for me with my low Japanese skill and academic abilities. Though, I hope that my short term training [2 weeks] and living abroad experiences will help me to survive here in Tokyo, Japan.

You may think that living in Tokyo is better than in farther cities. Actually, it does not make much different. Though you may have signs written in English, normal citizens will not have conversation with you in English. And what English signs tell you is limited and sometimes not in direct translation. I realize it this time since now I can read Hiragana, Katagana and few Kanji. Combining with my past experiences, I now have no problem in using Japanese complicated train routes.

The real difficulty is that I have to go through a lot of process that deals with documentation. In my opinion, I think it's weird to have documents for foreigner written in pure Japanese. Comparing to Thailand, I think we are more foreigner friendly. The funny thing is that officers will explain to you in Japanese even they know you don't understand. For me, I can guess what they want but usually the complicated matters like Banking or Immigration have specific terms used just like in English. With my little knowledge, I am almost at 0% understanding.

First few days in Japan have worn me out. The distance from my dormitory to nearest train station is damned far. Not to speak of hill/slope along the ways. Then it takes me about 30 minutes by train to the station where my University is located.

My room at the dorm is single type. I think for a single person, it is big enough. Besides given furniture such as bed, self, closet, sink and fridge. I still have empty area in the middle of the room. Washing machine and dryer are free to use. All in all, I would say it's good for the price. (By Japan standard housing price)

Food and stuffs may not be as expensive as you think but higher than in Thailand(Of course). Everyone is eager and happy to help you in any subjects if you can communicate what you want by any means.

To sum up. Leaving abroad anywhere will give you good experiences which I think is its' true benefits not University rank or academic issue. And with my first few days experiences here, I would say I like it and looking for more to come.