Self-Introduction

     It's been quite some time since I've updated this blog. If you don't feel like scrolling through past entries, then I'll just go ahead and re-introduce myself now!

     My name is Sarah Swanner and I live in the United States. I'm eighteen years old and I will be starting my senior year in high school this coming fall. Learning languages was always something I enjoyed, and when I was ten years old I began to have an interest in the Japanese language through my favorite anime, Inuyasha. Since then I have self-studied Japanese for around eight years now, and my exchange trip to Japan really helped me develop the communication skills necessary to have a fluent conversation. It was always my dream to be an exchange student, and during my sophomore year I discovered the AFS website and I sent in my preliminary application.
     I participated on the 2013-2014 academic year program (March 19, 2013 - February 11th 2014) to Japan through AFS Intercultural Programs, and it had to be the best decision I've ever made for myself.  I lived in Osaka and traveled around the surrounding prefectures.
     Since I have returned home, my time is spent either studying for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) or preparing college applications. My goal is to return to Japan as an exchange student in college and study Japanese and/or Asian studies. I hope to be a source of information for any incoming exchange students to Japan for the years to come.
   
     I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue using this blog or not, but I have a new purpose for it now. I've been in contact with some of next year's prospective exchange students to Japan, and I want to share my experience in Japan with everyone who is interested.

     If you are interested in going on an exchange program to Japan one the academic semester or year program in 2015-2016, or if you will go during the summer of 2015 then follow this link to the Facebook page they have created. All of the prospective exchangers gather in this group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/423235941139012/

↑ Here you go!

     I am a member of the group as well, although I am a Returnee. I joined to help them out with any questions regarding the application process or the language and culture.

     Feel free to join the group!