病気になってしまいました…
It turns out that being in Japan does not make you immune to sickness (big shocker). However, this does allow me to talk about what being ill abroad is like—in English since I sadly don’t have the brain capacity with this pounding headache to write in Japanese.
Even though many people (like me) still wear masks regularly, one thing we can all learn from COVID-19 is that a virus is not so easily stopped. My immune system is not great to start, and this week was especially tough with two lesson tests and the summer heat starting to set in on Kyoto. I’m already very proud of my progress in just two weeks, but it’s hard not to stress over assignments. If you’re someone like me, take this as a warning to look out for those tough weeks when stress will wear down your immune system and take extra precautions.
Japan is far stricter than the United States on what (OTC) medicines are allowed. If you take any prescription drugs and plan to stay in the country for more than a month, you must fill out the Yunyu Kakunin-sho (輸入確認書). You can find the English Q&A pdf online with detailed instructions and the appropriate forms. The same applies for any OTC medications of more than 2 months supply. Be sure to check what Japan classifies as OTC drugs because they are NOT the same as in the United States. Some drugs are also cheaper in the States than here, so if there’s a particular brand you prefer, be sure to bring enough to last (but not more than you’re allowed to!).
I’m lucky to live with an amazing host family who have been incredibly supportive. I’ve lost my voice, but they have somehow learned to understand my strange noises and gestures. Most people here are accommodating and will do their best to help you regardless of speaking barriers.
However, that being said, an intensive program will likely not have an attendance policy as flexible as that at Williams. KCJS only gives one full day (three sections) of excused absence. Of course, your health is more important than any attendance grade, but this policy also inadvertently encourages attending class unwell. I’m not here to be a hypocrite and tell you to focus on your health because I went to class despite feeling sick. To be fair, it was also a Friday, so I reasoned I could just rest during the weekends (as I’m doing now). If you’re going to work regardless of your health, at least hydrate and take vitamins.
I hope this entry can help someone in the future or, at the very least, give a glimpse into the part of studying abroad that’s not often discussed on these blogs.
じゃあ、以上です。
次回まで!