Konnichiwa

Japan...Preparation...Where do I begin?  My first thoughts after being selected as a participant in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program.  I am officially a "JFMFer", translation: JFMF Teacher Program Participant.  I will be traveling to Japan for a three week emersion program, which focuses on education, culture and people.  In answer to my initial question, reread my application and begin building the plan I had laid out.  I have begun as you can see with my blog.

My plane leaves from Providence on Sunday, June 8, 2008.  My first destination; San Francisco for orientation.  I will be joined by 159 other participants from around the country.  On Monday, June 9th will we continue our journey together to Japan.  Once in Tokyo we will spend five days attending lectures, seminars, traditional art performances and have one day to explore on our own.  On Sunday, June 15th we will break down into smaller groups and head to our host cities.  I will travel with 16 other Teacher Program Participants to Tanabe, Wakayama, a small seaside village on the east coast, south of Tokyo.  During this time I will visit schools and experience a homestay and Japanese culture.  On Monday, June 23rd I will journey back to Tokyo for Project Resource sessions, debriefing and presentations.  Thursday, June 26th I will return to the United States and will most likely be home on Friday.  Wow, sounds like a lot in three weeks!

I will keep everyone updated on my experiences as often as possible.  Needless to say the camera is ready.  I will post photos, film clips and journals to keep everyone informed.  You can imagine how fortunate I feel to have been selected for such an exciting adventure.  

So, the first assignment for my class is to find Tanabe, Wakayama on a map and show me where it is.   And you thought you wouldn't have homework!  Students from other classes are welcomed to join in, come down to my room and show me where I'm going.

I'll post again as I continue further preparations.

Sayonara