In a few hours, I will find myself on a plane heading to the other side of the world for a few months to study in Tokyo, Japan for the fall semester. I have mixed feelings about the whole idea of living in another country that I have studied and admired for the better part of my life. I was once excited, overjoyed and ready to seize the opportunity that was presented to me as I said to myself "I am going to Japan." How many people can I say they did that? Most students pick an English speaking country to study in should they even undertake such a thing. That or Italy as everybody loves Italy. But now I find myself saying "Wow…I am going to Japan" with apprehension, fear and even a tinge a regret.

I decided to try this "study abroad" thing last Fall semester after I had a professor that highly recommended that we travel out of the country. Okay so in reality I had about 4 professors over the course of my time at Montclair State University make this push similar reasons, usually revolving around "the experience." Yeah, whatever that means. I didn't think much of it at the time, but following several conversations with this particular professor, a few information sessions and even some talks from my parents I said to myself "Why the hell not?" and gave the application process a shot. Several pounds of paperwork and a few rounds of anxiety later, I was accepted by not only Montclair State University's Global Education Center but also my host institution of Temple University into the program.

But as exciting as this opportunity is, I can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. It will be a big transition for me from living with my parents to living alone in a far away country with a fairly sizable language and culture barrier. I will find myself for the first time actually have to do things that I took for granted in the safety of my own home. I only wish I had a television crew following me at all times because it will be truly grade A television as I fumble my way through supermarkets to buy food only to stare at in my kitchen wondering how the hell I cook something without burning it to a crisp. And no amount of ketchup will make ashes taste good. It will take a miracle for me to survive. Hopefully my mysterious roommate will bring some valuable skills to the table. Add this to a number of other concerns including transportation to and from campus (and around Tokyo) and access to money, and freaking myself out becomes all too harsh of a reality. 

Despite all this, I am sure I will find a way to get over these first world problems and have all the fun that I hope to have. There are places to see, things to do and an entire country to experience. It will be life-changing and something I will never forget and I do hope I grow from it. 

Before I go, I wanted to say "thank you" to all my friends who made my last week here in the United States a week to remember. To those I didn't see…well you will see me when I get back. Getting ahold of me in Japan will not be impossible nonetheless, though I will be about 13 hours ahead (if I did my math right which I probably didn't). Facebook will probably be the easiest way to talk to me, though I will be on Skype and AIM as well. If you have either, let me know and we can get something going. If not, I will update this blog regularly with pictures, videos and anything else that is interesting while I am here in Japan. 

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.