Classes begin

(The sakura are in full bloom on the campus)

Today we started classes at Hakuoh. I wasn't too sure on where the classes where, but the class actually was right next door to the International Exchange Center. So, it was very convenient.
The first class had most of us with the rest of the exchange students in it. It's slightly hard to follow sometimes in the class, but with everyone from a different background in the class, it makes it entirely easy to enjoy and is pretty interesting. The second class is just one with the IUPUI students in them (as we are the only students that don't have to take the JLPT to get into Hakuoh, so we have intermediate-ish Japanese courses). The classwork seems almost a step down from Genki, but it's also really hard for Adachi to teach all of us because we're all at different language ability levels. Brian has already been there for over a half a year, Beth has had experience abroad, and Keleih and I are kind of in the same boat as with language ability (except everyone has already been to Japan at least once, and I am the one one that is my first time here). So, I have a feeling this class is going to be easier in general, but I don't know. I mean, it's only the first day.

I finally set up wireless internet in the International Exchange Center. I don't really think the school even knows that there's a ethernet connection in the lounge, but there is, and I think it would benefit everyone if it was plugged into a wireless router and not just the old, junky Dell laptop that has been in the center for god knows how long.

After lunch, Usui-san took us to the recycle shop to look for items to purchase for our dorms. Nothing is really high up on my list for purchasing things yet (also, I was watching my money until I could start receiving my Hakuoh scholarship), so I forgone not purchasing anything, but they sure had some interesting items available for purchase (anyone for a slightly-used vending machine anyone?) After that though, we went to the bane of my existance (in terms of pop-culture and everything) the Bookoff store in Oyama. It had tons (and I mean TONS) of manga usually around 105 yen, but sometimes running up to 1000 yen (really high-quality paper with older, popular series). They also had a second floor part that sold video games, DVDs, old computers, and anime figurines. The name aside ("Hardoff" thankfully not "Hard on"), this seems it would be an otaku's paradise.



(There's even a 24 hour Internet cafe next to the Bookoff. Now THAT'S convenience!)


(Note: This is an afterthought on my first week of classes. It doesn't entirely reflect on my entire opinion on them because I have typed and finished this post months after it already occured. However, I will try my best to remember the exact mood of the time. ~9/28/08)