Happy New Year! & Resolutions

[lenaleemelodee]

I'm super late with this... and I haven't done even half of what I planned, so I haven't even prepared a card or something, I'm sorry. I had tons of plans but had to cancel everything, because I got down with a food poisoning (sushi! I got a sushi poisoning, can you bleieve it??? I made them myself and got a poisoning!!) and stayed in bed like that

Comments

[amedamacherry]

Oh, man! Food poisoning sounds bad! I hope you're okay now!

Woaaah, these are many resolutions! Are you talking about one single year? XD~~~~
That internship programme sounds interesting! I hope you make it to Japan!! How long will you stay abroad, then?
When I read the last passage of you entry I felt like we have something in common! ♥

You asked me whether I have plans on going to Japan. I definitely want to! I searched for a few organizations and possibilities, but I'm sure it will be pretty hard. My wish is to go to Japan as an "Exchange Student" with an exchange program. They call it like that, but in fact you have to finish at least Bachelor of Arts degree to participate and it's rather a scholarship. With that program, I'd work as a "coordinator for international relations" and I would earn my own money. Enough to pay for an apartment and live there. But there are a few difficulties... first, I have to be very good in Japanese. They expect JLPT Level N2 (Do you know about that test?). Then, I can choose a preferred place, but they might just find me a locations anywhere in Japan. And... there are many candidates, but only a few places. I'll have to go to Berlin, do an application, pass an exam... Oh man!! And worst of it, the program starts in July, but I won't have my Bachelor degree then. (Well, if I make it in time...) So I have to wait almost one more year!
As an alternative I'll apply for a gap year (voluntary work) in a nursing home or a pre school. I still have my "Working Holiday Visa". If I can't find anything, I'll go as au pair! I'd do just anything! I don't study Japanese language for not being able to speak Japanese at all! (>________<)'''

[lenaleemelodee]

I'm okay now, but since I have a weak stomach, it still disfunctions from time to time ^^;

Yeah, one year *^* See, I always plan a lot, but it just helps me to have other options in case something fails. Besides I'm way too curious for my own good.
Actually I have no idea, the first programme doesn't have a fixed period of time (so I'm hoping for loooooong xD), and the second one lasts for only 6 months.
That's great! People around me are too confident about their goals. I support it, but kinda feel left out, so it's nice that there's another person like me! I hope we'll both find what to chase after! ♥

I know about JLPT. As of now, I qualify only for Level N4, and it's still not super easy for me. I would like to pass this exam, but only when I'll be level N2 or N1. How good is your Japanese? I mean, do you qualify for N2? Good luck with the programme!! Don't forget that all these programmes are similar. They're always looking for individuals who are interested in German-Japanese relations and would like bring some positive influence to it. And they also often ask what good would that exchange bring to you. So don't forget about that! That's like a secret hint for all these programmes xD
And btw, don't worry, since you're fluent in Japanese, it'll be a lot easier to find a programme for you^^
Pre school??? For real? In Japan, you mean? I'd so love to go! But is it a Germany-only programme? I'd love to participate too :3 Even au pair would be alright with me as well xD Go for it, us!! Yaaay! \(>o<)/

[amedamacherry]

I suppose (HOPE!) my Japanese is at N3 level, but N2 would be still a big problem. Well, I'm speaking of the grammar/vocabluary/text-comprehension part. I think the listening comprehension is the most difficult part of it! Though I've never made the test myself. Only heared of people who did. Every try for each level's test would cost 60€ and I don't want to waste my money for N4 or N3 level! I'll look for exercise books for the N2 level soon and start to learn! Yosh!!!! The test will be in December. (Too bad it's only once a year!!!)

Oh, thanks for the tip! I'll think about a good reason why I, and only I, am the best candidate!! (^-^)d

That pre school / kindergarten stuff is part of the German civilian service / community service (instead of going to the army) and can be done by women as well, provided that they're still less than 26 years old. You look for an agency that has certain connections to pre schools in Japan and they can arrange you a voluntary job there. Problem is, the state won't pay everything! You have to search for partners and donators who pay a few thousand euros for you. In exchange, you have to write a public blog and tell about your experiences. It's a voluntary service, so you won't earn money (maybe a bit?). Your employer or the agency will help you to find a cheap place to live and pay for it. That will be a guest house for shared living with other foreigners or something like that.
Pretty difficult. That's why I'd prefer the other possibility of doing real work!
I don't know about Russia, if such a program exists. It's pretty difficult to find agencies that have connections to Japan. I know only two in Germany. I'd suggest you google a bit and then tell me if you found aything! =D

[lenaleemelodee]

You should just practice more, I guess! I listen to drama cds, and just cast talks A LOT. Everyday for sure. Sometimes it takes two or three times to listen to understand everything, but I think it's a great practice! Movies are also a good choice, but they're somewhat easier, because you actually SEE people talking.
You can just download old JLPT tests and stuff. Like here: http://uz-translations.net/ You'll have to register to see the download links, but there's plenty of usefull stuff for Japanese learners there! Especially lots of textbooks for N3-N1 levels.

Hmm, I'll look for agencies like that here, but they're unlikely to exist here, unfortunately. I live in the WRONG country, afterall xD like the girl about your comment often says xD

[amedamacherry]

Yeah, I started watching movies or J-Dramas without subtitles. It's okay, I understand enought to follow the story. But I don't have much time lately... and somehow I haven't watched any J-Dramas since last summer! I should check the spring season Dramas if there's anything I may be interested in...!
Do you watch J-Dramas?

Woaah! That page is awesome! Thank you!

[lenaleemelodee]

I do! Not much though. I even don't wantto waste time on anime really which is only 20 minutes long compared to one ep of a J-drama.
But do have some favourites. My most favourite one is Honey & Clover. There's also a movie but it sucks, I loved the tv drama A LOT. I'm quite a fan of this series, because I can relate to some of its characters.
During the holidays I watched "My Girl" (The Japanese one, there's also a Korean one though). It's based on my favourite manga about a single parent - father and his daughter. I just love it so much.

Summer season was quite fun, I think. I watched that J-drama with Matsumoto Jun (the title is "Nijiiro-something") and I kinda even liked his acting in that drama, I think he's matured as an actor, I used to dislike him before. And Hotaru no Hikari Season 2, but I never got to finish these two shows. I need to, but I don't want ot waste a whole hour after work watching anything! X3 I prefer watching something only when I'm eating, this way it would save lots of time for me.
Oh! Also remembered I started watching "Hammer Session!", but since I watch with subs, I watched onyl the first 4 eps, because the subbing group dropped it. It was quite fun, but Hayami-san's acting was pathetic most of the time -.-'

I used to be a true movie geek until I turned 17, so yeah, I can talk a lot about it.... as well as about music xD