I've been informed by my university coordinator (Ate Belle) that there will be no "settling-in allowance" this year (80,000 yen given to exchange students upon arrival). So that means that I have to pay for my own fare (no reimbursement).
A one-way ticket to Osaka (from Manila) will cost around $400 (Philippine Airlines).
She also told me that my monthly allowance (80,000 yen) will arrive around late June, so that means that I have to pay for my own living expenses for the months of April and May until my allowance arrives in June.
The allowance I will receive in June will also include my allowance for April and May.
Monthly living expenses would amount to around 40,000-50,000 yen, excluding dorm fees.
Monthly dorm fees will range from 36,000 to 40,000 [plus] yen; it depends on the dorm.
I applied for the cheapest dorm (36,000 yen), I hope I get accepted (there's still a possibility that I may be assigned to a different dorm). The other dorms are too expensive, it will be too impractical. I really hope that I get accepted in my chosen dorm. It can save me a lot of money (which I will need for food, travel fare - bus, insurance fees, settling in expenses, etc.)
Ate Belle told me that she will negotiate to allow me to pay my dorm fees in June (instead of already paying upon my arrival in April) since my allowance will only arrive in June. I hope that they agree with this arrangement, otherwise, I will be burdened with too much expenses.
My mom and I were talking over the phone about my plans. She is so supportive, but I know that she is also worried about the expenses. We're not rich and I'm not sure how we can cover all these expenses.
I really hope that we can find a way to cover for all the expenses. I've been waiting for this opportunity for years. The application period lasted for almost a year. I can't even express how much I want this and how thankful I am for being given this opportunity.
I really hope that these financial constraints would not stop me from living my dream. I worked so hard for this to happen, I don't want money to become a problem.
God, please help me and my parents. I really hope that everything works out.
Please.
I hope that these money (or the lack of it) matters wouldn't interfere with my dreams. I am just so worried about the finances; it's too expensive. The cost of living is too expensive. How can we afford it?
Nahihiya ako sa parents ko. Ang gastos gastos.
*Stares at the monitor, deep sigh*
I'm really worried about the expenses, but I know that God would help me and my family get through this. I've made it this far, I can't quit now. I'll make this happen. We'll make this happen.
Cheers!
God is good.
UPDATES:
* I already received my Certificate of Eligibility and university acceptance letter
* I'll start with my VISA application within this week.
- I'm so happy that my parents and my brother are so supportive. They're helping me out.
* I already have my passport, birth certificate.
* I'll just have my picture taken (the requirements are so elaborate! :D)
* Then I shall get my VISA and reserve my flight for April 1
* AND SETTLE MY PLANS, especially regarding my expenses
+ clothes, things I have to bring, practice my Japanese skills, prepare myself!
I am so excited! But I am also equally nervous!
God, help me!
And I am so thankful that I finally have the scholarship! Yey! Thank You so much! : )
