Updates

Sorry for not updating for a long time. Been busy with this and that.
To summarize quickly.

I failed my 2nd attempt for University Entrance exam. Different exam, but, fail is fail. Was very depressed for more than a week. I'd go for my last attempt for university entrance exam next year.

Went to Tokyo to accompany mom and friend. Gundam really sooth me, even though it was in the middle of typhoon. The movement's crude, but still awesome. AWESOME. Wish they put it there forever.

I turned 24.

Attended HAL Taiken Nyuugaku. Was fun. I do think I should have a backup plan. One is not enough for Japan. It's really tough here. But I will survive somehow. If I give up here and go back home, I'd definitely regret it my whole life. So yeah, I should somehow find a way to cheer up. I wish I can give something back to the kind people around me. I feel so guilty for failing.

Gonna start applying for a scholarship. But yet again, I feel so bad for applying for it. But I couldn't say no if they offer me one. Why not take it?

Suddenly have the urge to get an iPhone. Did lots of research online and off. Was thinking of getting iPod Touch instead, but I reckon combining the phone into 1 is not bad, much lighter bag. Initially I decide to get it if I pass the exam. But I didn't. And yet my parents still let me get it. But I cant forgive myself for getting one after failing an exam. Maybe they let me because I'm so so so depressed with the exam result. I think the last time I felt like that was 10 years ago-ish.

It'd cost me 9900yen-ish for canceling my AU. And since my current visa has less than 1 year remaining, I'd have to pay full front, 57600yen for 16GB. Then if I do a 2 year contract, I'd be discounted for 1920yen monthly for 24 months (from the bill, excluding the basic white plan thingy). That's what I figured out so far. Some people say about having credit card/bill and gaijin card, they'll let them pay monthly. But I don't have utility bill under my name nor a Japanese credit card (another gruesome journey for that). Since the local Softbank sold out the iPhone, will try again tomorrow at another branch.

Apparently Softbank's having a promotion of discounting when we transfer from another provider with MNP (keeping your phone number). But MNP costs 2700yen. And the discount that I was interested was for 5 months of free white plan fee. That'd still save me like 2000yen ish. Worth it. My phone number's not that important, but why not, I guess.

So yeah, basically, I'm just so hyped for iPhone. That keep me alive for now.

Tutor

Switched to Blogger today.

The other day I received an email from the university and I was introduced to a senpai and she'll act as my tutor while I'm a research student. That's a very delightful news!! And I feel less lost, since I know who to ask to first if I'm in doubt. Like... about being a research student.

Seems like all a research student do is to study for the exam. That just sounds pretty free. But one must not underestimate Japanese exams. But yes, seems like past exams still are the best resource to refer to. I'm just so afraid with the knowledge I'm supposed to know but had been buried these few months... Whatever the case, I must not waste my time there. Must do whatever I can do while in Japan XD

Anyways, almost a week left till my departure. Packing is only half done. As usual, the final packing can only be done on the day. x_x;

University Application part 2

Since I had to send another form for research student. Since they've got my other documents, I only need to send them the research student application form, which includes a short essay of why I want to enter the university, and also the form for the embassy. And off they go with DHL.

I received the university approval permit through email in February, a couple of weeks after I sent the documents. One month later, in March, I received the permit for the embassy - visa purposes, through mail. So that's when I started the visa application.

However... I received a news that I may have to change department and redo the application. I was told that I can decided that in Japan, but turned out that I needed to decide it soon. Therefore, I decided to change department, and sent in another research student application and fee to Japan. It's basically the same, but I need to write lesser amount of "why this course/university" thingy.

Since the university has received my form and the application fees (10,000 yen) already, the matter's resolved in April. The tuition fee is paid only after reaching Japan. And it's not that much. Research student fee is around 130,000 yen per semester (6 months). Master course is 6-700,000 yen per year. Comparing to how much I paid in Australia per year... it's AUD 24,000. It's more than half. ^_^; The accommodation is much more expensive, though.

Well, next is the packing. =3 Must not bring too many stuff there. Kind of hard to decide which one's more important...

University after exam

After exam. I visited the professor's laboratory to meet the secretary. She kept on reassuring me that I'll be fine with the exam. While I knew I'd definitely be the worse.

So I refused to see the dormitory since I don't think I can enter the university. And that was sort of a wrong choice. Now I don't know how good/bad the dormitory is. It's in another campus' complex. And I have to take a free shuttle to reach my campus. And that other campus is far from the station (I think). Oh well.

Though mom was also sure I'd pass since the professor kept on asking whether I can pay the tuition fee without working part time. I'm not sure if I won't be allowed to work part time (I'd love to work in a konbini, imagine being surrounded by those cute snacks and drinks and sweets).

Later in the afternoon, I received an urgent email from the secretary, saying that the professor needs to meet all of use, the exam takers. Since it's not possible to go on that day (it was already too late by the time I knew the email), I decided to go for the next day.

I arrived early at the university. The queue into the train was so awesome. Very. Very. Tidy. They all queue in one line, should've took pic of it. After waited for awhile, I was asked to go in and talk with the professor.

The professor told me that I was the worse among 6 of us. I knew it. And he was sure I won't pass even though the official announcement is still 1 month later. He told me that if I want to enter as a research student, he'll accept me. And that I can enter at any time I want. The other students entered as a research student in September, I think. One was since April.

I was asked again whether I studied properly or not. *cringed* I feel so very guilty. But he also told me that there's never been the case of a foreign student got in directly through the entrance exams. Normally, people go through a research student phase. And that made me relieved. He expected too much of me, maybe? But I'm pretty sure I'm the dumbest of them all. Not to mention the only girl. I already felt very intimidated. Though that does give me a plus.

So. I said I will talk again with the secretary regarding research student after discussing with my family. The secretary then gave me the form for research student and told me that this is a rare chance. They rejected lots of students in the past. And for me to be able to be his research student was awesome. And that what made me sure I have to grab this chance. I was initially unsure that I'd fit with this field and wanted to pursue another field.

So yes, I shall begin my life in Japan as a research student.

University exam

As soon as I arrived in Osaka few days before the exam, and checked into the hotel, I went to the university just for small greetings and gift to the lab. Also to check how much time is needed to get to the university. After that me and mom went for some shopping. For the days before exam, it's like, shopping till night.

Then I'd try to do last minute study at night on the bed. While tempted to watch the awesome variety shows on TV. I know it's bad. But the quality of the TV was so good and it's a really big LCD TV in our hotel room at Cross Hotel (don't expect any help with luggage and remember to return both room keys on check out, other than that, awesome hotel). Nonetheless, I doubt last minute studying can help much on my minimum exam preparation. I was busy with university back then and no one to help me with.

It took more than an hour to get to the university from the hotel. I think we went somewhere near 7am. The exam starts at 9am. I didn't have any confidence on passing the exam. And my preparation was definitely not enough. We went to the old building where the exam was held. It was so old and so dusty. Probably one of the dirtiest place I've seen in Japan. The room is not dirty. But the floor outside was. I was very nervous and after some time of waiting, other guys who'd be taking the exam with me came. And they're all boys, as expected. Moreover, there are only 6 of us, and 4 of them are Chinese. And turned out that we were all going for the same professor. o_o; I can't imagine how popular my professor is. At least with the foreign students. It's a foreign student exam btw.

And so the exam. Of course the introductory speech was all done in Japanese. But I had no trouble understanding it. The problem was the exam. I think it lasted for 3 hours. And there were 2 papers to be done in that time given. I was already finished probably in 1 hour. And I really couldn't think of what else to write. Those other guys were all still busy writing. Oh btw, when applying I was supposed to choose 2 subjects out of 10 options for the exam. I suppose it could be expected that those guys took similar subjects as I did. And so, that indicates how badly I did at the exam. I never finishes writing exam answers before the time finishes, and I always stay behind for checking the answers. But I never finish 2 hours earlier! I was sleepy waiting for the exam time to finish and tried to add more answers as I could.


And then when the time finishes. It's time for lunch. I was relieved to leave the exam place. Though after that I had to face an interview exam. The lunch was wonderful though. The canteen is big and had lots of nice food. And it has this conveyor belt for people to put away their bowls and stuff. It's awesome. But I miss how Australians male would normally open doors for ladies or people behind. It's not the case here. =(


Time for the exam, and I was back at the designated building. We were told to wait in this waiting room till our number was called. I was the last, being the only person who was not a research student. After the person before me is in the interview room, I waited at the chair right outside the interview room. I was dreaded by that time...

I was expecting 3 people interviewing me. Heck, 1 person is scary enough. But. There were like... all of the department's professor present in the big meeting room. At least 10 of them. I feel so dead. Most of them remained quiet and seem to be busy with something else. The one asking me were the main professor, my professor, and another professor who marked my exam (yes, already, how fast, it's only during lunchtime!!).

I heard from the other students that they were only asked general questions like why you choose this university and so. But for me. I was asked what I did I major in. My exam result was so bad. So bad that it's shameful (maybe?) that I come from a sort of mechanical background. Also asked if I didn't study. I answered that I didn't study enough. I couldn't answer properly in Japanese and also had trouble hearing them in Japanese. So we used English.

I was asked if I can make it to level 1 ability of Japanese. I knew I wouldn't be able to pass the JLPT level 1 I just took. So I said so but I will try hard for getting better before April. It didn't last long, 10 min max. And I was let go.But I felt so awful and just want to get away from there. I felt really low and stupid and crazy for even trying to go for the exam. At least I proved I'm brave enough as the only girl there. Maybe. Sigh. And so next... is after the exam, and what research student really is.

University Application

On my visit to the university, I was given an application booklet. There, it's written the procedure and the form. Note that you need a professor for Master degree. So I wrote the name of the professor that I met.

I'm in contact with the professor's secretary through email. Firstly I use English, after a few exchange I use Japanese. It's a bit awkward at first, but heck, I'll be learning in Japanese over there! Then, I first send the scanned version of my completed application form as well as my resume, university results, and a letter certifying that I'm finishing my bachelor degree that year. I don't need TOEFL as I have an Australian degree.

The next month, in October. I was told to call the professor himself. Aggh... It was so embarrassing. I couldn't talk properly and was very nervous. And kept on saying sumimasen in a weird way. I wanted to dig a hole... But I was told to continue my application anyways. T_T

After that, I was told to sent the documents by mail. Costs about $36(?) from Australia, reaching Japan in around 5 days, I think. Had to send a few times as more documents were needed. I must thank EMS for fast delivery, though I wish they costs cheaper. Then, bank transfer for the application fee.

Oh, I also needed guarantor. Luckily my dad has a friend who's willing to be one. He's been very very helpful. The secretary helped me to submit my application in November. Throughout the time, I was worried with the exam date. Since I have to book ticket and apply for visa. I only know the date roughly before mid-November, and I booked the ticket and hotel with the rough date reference. The exam was decided to be at the end of December, and it fit into the date I booked, phew.

And so the dreadful exam...

University contact

My first contact with the university was in June 2008. That time I was still wondering what to study in Japan. Then I found this interesting lab and decided to give an email last minute, if we can visit the lab. I got a reply and we scheduled for a visit there.

On the day of visit, it was my fault that we didn't leave early enough. We accidentally took the wrong train and was late for the meeting for almost an hour. Luckily, they still warmly welcomed us (me and parents and brother), and the very busy professor was still there in the office. It's a bit surreal to see what I've seen only in media, alive. The foreign student there brought us for a little tour. Then showed us the way to get home. It was a loooong walk, and involved another unknown Japanese students on the way. They're all so kind. =3

And so, a few months later, in September, it was decided that I go to this school. So we contact the university through a friend in Japan, but was asked to contact directly with the secretary. And then goes the long journey of emails...