The Rest of Japan

Day One: First Impressions. Arrived at school on time around noon, driven by my husband. The school itself is a little shabby looking - almost, if I dare say it, like a movie studio. But there is wi-fi. The staff, including the teachers, are very kind and give individualized care to the students. I noticed this not only in my own case, but in the way they dealt with a finicky student who had just arrived with his family. The classes are very small. 5-10 people each, and surprisingly, not all kids. More than half seem to be in their 20s, but the rest are easily in their 40’s like me, perhaps older. Out of the ten who arrived today, three are Gasshuku: two men at the dorms and one lady, me, who is in the hotel. Three are gaijin. The theory classes do not SEEM difficult. (I say “seem” because looks can be deceiving.) The teacher is very careful to note points of focus that are likely to crop up in final test questions. The driving classes, as well, are naturally one-on-one, and the first lesson (on school grounds) was today. The veteran instructor was quick to notice my level of experience, and tweaked his instruction so that the lesson could progress quickly and the time not be wasted. Breakfast will be at the hotel in the mornings, while lunch and dinner are served as bentos. I have included a dinner bento photo. It was quite filling, and standard for TV sets too, so I am used to this. The hotel is adequate. Has an iron, hair dryer, and all the standard amenities, including wi-fi, of course. The bathroom is small, but bigger than I thought it would be. There are washing machines and dryers for 800 yen per load. As for language barriers: the lessons are taught in Japanese. I worry a little about the two other foreigners who do not seem to grasp most of it, but the teachers did give them individualized care. I called ahead and made sure to reserve an English textbook, but I think they did not know it was an option. It is not really stated on their homepage; I found this information by doing a little more research about the school from independent sources beforehand. On my desk I keep both the Japanese and the English textbooks open, side-by-side. (I want to learn the terminology in both languages.) The texts are colorful and attractive, BUT already at this point I have noticed translation discrepancies. Today an entire line was missing from the English - one to which the teacher gave special attention during class. I’ll keep note of the mistakes I notice and give a memorandum to the school at the end. Another item of note: I wrote my application in blue pen, but they had me rewrite it in black pen in the office. I tend to use blue pens at home. So I shall buy some black pens tonight. Black pens, black pens! I learn something every day. On I go!