On 7-11 May the Field Studies to Japan program officially began with 5 days of coursework at NUS. We met from 10am-4pm each day, which included eating lunch together. The week was full with theoretical background to the issues we will encounter in Japan, discussion and practical use of qualitative methods, writing workshops, seminar discussions, and student presentations. It felt like a 13-week module packed into one week. A few people complained (with smiles on their faces) of a lack of sleep, but overall, everyone seemed to enjoy learning about the environment and tourist landscapes in Kyushu. Along the way, 15 individuals became a group of friends and colleagues that will now share a learning experience overseas.

Lynn teaching Japanese keywords related to Huis ten Bosch

We depart at 1:00 on Tuesday morning (15 May). Hopefully, everyone can get some sleep on the plane, although they may be too excited for what’s to come.

Here is the rough schedule (view a map HERE):

15 May – Huis ten bosch

16 May – Isahaya

17-18 May – Minamata (with homestays)

19 May – rafting on the Kuma River (overnight in Aso)

20-21 May – Minami-Oguni (with farmstay)

22 May – Kurokawa Onsen

23 May – Fukuoka

24 May – home to Singapore

I will do my best to update this blog while on the road, wherever we have wifi access. Otherwise, the posts may come a day or two down the line. I hope you keep reading!