Reading charlie's journal

On Sunday I'm flying to Japan. The trip will involve nearly two days of being awake if I don't sleep on the international flight, so I'm determined to sleep. On arrival I will be greeted by the head of the English Department, and the Vice Principal of the school.

There are so many unknowns. I don't know what my students will be like, or even what my schedule will be. And I don't know what they're abilities will be, but I'm really looking forward to finding all that out. In the oddest way I want to be a foreigner. I want something new. I want to have all of my preconceived notions challenged, to make new friends, hear new stories. But I'm also scared that I won't be able to hold my own in this new place.

I've seen many students "study abroad" and regress into isolation and shyness. And I know this is a normal stage of culture shock. I know the first three or six months are going to be impossible. But I'm determined to beat that stage, and do a good job during it, even though I have no idea what that will be like.

Mostly there is a huge chance for failure, a huge chance for success, and whole lot of unknown. Hopefully I'll have more concrete details next post. :)

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