<p>^^^yeah what he said. Use your money on a language program first and then visit the country later. And if money is such a big deal, and you can't seem to raise enough of it in time, then don't worry. Experiencing a new culture is great, but there is no difference if you do it when you are 12, or when you are 18. Make it sort of a future goal that would keep you on track of learning the language, and I'm sure you would enjoy the trip more if you could speak better.</p>
<p>
[quote]
but there is no difference if you do it when you are 12, or when you are 18.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Weeellll...there's one itsy bitsy difference with Japan.</p>
<p>Japan is a country best served alcoholic, if you ask me. So much of the really really fun stuff in Japan either involves beer or sake, and at 12 even they're going to balk. At 18, they won't know the difference (all gaijin look the same.)</p>
<p>Yes, you should apply.</p>
<p>Actually, I'm indifferent to it and just trying to get 1000 posts ASAP.</p>
<p>I don't want to get the language program for Japanese, but for French.</p>
<p>I'm not really interested in the Japanese language, just some of the other aspects of the culture.</p>
<p>theres nothing wrong with bake sales!</p>
<p>plus, no offense, but would ppl want a seventh grader mowing their lawn? anyway, i was about to suggest lawn mowing, but in my neighborhood a gardening company does all the work, and no kid ever go around asking to mow lawns, but I dont know.</p>
<p>No
Jon K. I think you are making a mistake...not interested in the language, but in the other?</p>
<p>I wanted to go there from like middle school until like the end of 9th grade or so. I was interested in all that baloney like the anime and the technology over there and all that stuff, but I grew out of it. I think that you should wait before investing so much cash on a trip...really I do...going there and not caring about the language and not knowing won't make for a great experience</p>
<p>The Japan trip would be basically nothing with fundraisers and stuff since it's with the school. </p>
<p>On the other hand, the France trip would be around $3,000, which I don't have. So I guess it's Japan for two weeks. Oh well, I satisfied with that. It's better than staying home.</p>
<p>You make it sound like it is bad. You are going out of the country to a place many do not visit, and you say "Oh, well"? Talk about being ungrateful...</p>
<p>I didn't mean it like that.</p>
<p>Jon K,</p>
<pre><code>Make sure you take some Kung Fu lessons before leaving. In Japan, tons of karate chopping people roam the streets seeking a fight with an American. You will be a sitting duck without some knowledge of Kung Fu. Hap Ki Do would be helpful as well!
</code></pre>
<p>I gotta give it to ya Just..that was the first post you made that made me laugh. Good, good</p>
<p>"Make sure you take some Kung Fu lessons before leaving."</p>
<p>I already had my first lesson on Saturday. It's much harder than it looks!</p>
<p>lol just kidding.</p>
<p>my school doesnt ever offer trips like that. i visted japan before, but still...i wish my school would do SOMETHING other than trips to DNA labs.</p>
<p>-----------></p>