I'm in!

[MNJetter]

I just got notice that I got accepted to the Teacher's College at Columbia University for their MA in applied linguistics!

I put this in All Things Japan because, though their main campus is in New York City, there is a TC campus in Tokyo as well, so hopefully within the next year or two, I'll be heading back to the land of the rising sun to study or research or whatever. Also, the whole reason why I picked applied linguistics is because of my experience on JET.

* * * * *

Aw, heck, let's make it a real thread. I think that Japan was one of the most intense experiences of my life, in terms of how it shaped my personality and perspective and hobbies and goals. How do you think it's affected you? And I don't mean just people who have lived or vacationed there. Even if it's just the idea of Japan (or its entertainment media) that has shaped your life in some way, that's valid too. The good, the bad, the comical, and the completely random. Anything's valid, but the important part isn't the anecdote or the aspect itself. It's how it changed you and what your life is like now because of it. Or if it hasn't changed you at all and you're only lurking around the forum because you miss Jay's trolling, that's valid too. Don't go too RWPW on me here, but let's have fun with this topic, hey? I feel like celebrating. :dj:

I think there are two major things that Japan helped me to do. The first, which probably would have happened no matter what country I was in, was that it happened to be the first place I ever lived completely on my own, with no family or roommates or anything. It was hard at first, but a valuable learning experience, and I even learned to value it by the end. And the second are my career goals, which were largely focused by my experience on JET and my interactions with adults in the area who were trying to learn English. I've got a little project in the works, which I plan on working on during grad school. I'll tell you about it if anything comes of it.

[mugen]

Congratulations!

I don't have anything else to add to this thread since I don't think I have been influenced by anything Japanese. I would like to visit it some time though. Maybe even do an exchange program through my uni.

[Knife-Fingered Sue Sanderson]

Wow, that's awesome!

Congratulations!

As for me, living in Japan definitely taught me to be more independent as well. I've learned how to get along with all types of people, in different situations. My work ethic has also changed a lot. Not to say that I was lazy in the U.S., but I haven't taken a single sick day at my job. I just take some day-quil and go.

My career goals haven't changed so much. Since high school I've known that I wanted to work with an international company. Although since college that has expanded to international education, or U.S. State Department.

I've also learned how to walk in heels (and run uphill, drunk, trying to catch the last train in heels...). :)

[blank slate]

Well, congratulations.

I don't have much experience with the country, other than Dragonball Z making my childhood awesome. Oh yeah, plus enjoying Az's stories.

[koku]

1. Congratulations! Not only are furthering your education permanantly, you also have another great opportunnity to come back to Japan for more years.


2. Damn. We're making this a real thread and I want to give a real response so I will have to do it another time when I have the mental 'yaruki' to do it right! Let's just say in a nerdy way Japan def. gives me warm tingly feelings.

[stsparky]

I'm happy for you.

Usually I tell local kids to do CSULB's International Studies program if they're language nerds. But you're a whole lot smarter than the average kid.

Thanks for sharing.

[Duke Luke of Juke]

What sort of jobs do people with an MA in Applied Linguistics do, if that's not too dumb a question to ask?

Sorry if you answered this in the OP.

[MNJetter]

I half-answered it, but I was kind of vague. This time, I'll be slightly less vague. ;)

I plan on writing a set of specialized language textbooks, but before I do, I feel that I need a little more formal training in language education. Basically, I know what I want to do, and now I need the resources and connections to pull it off.

[japanat]

Well, if you ever need someone to try out your texts in practice, give me a buzz. I could try them out in a class or two, let you know how they work with regular teachers in the real world. :hat:

[Kai]

Congratulations!:clap:

I only spent a few weeks in Japan with a group of students but it was my first time outside the continent. It got me actually curious about teaching, something I never thought I would attempt to do upon finishing college.