Hello!

Hi!
My name is Anastasia, and I am hoping to take part in an AFS language study program in Japan during the summer of 2010!
Right now I am sixteen years old, I'm in eleventh grade, and I live in Massachusetts in the U.S.A.
I first found out about AFS about a year ago, and since then I have become very interested in engaging in a program myself. I know someone who recently graduated from my high school who traveled to Germany for her junior year. Last year, one of my new friends happened to be an exchange student from Thailand. This year, again, I find myself getting to know someone in my English class, an exchange student from China. Now I am ready to become an AFSer too!

The many different cultures of the world interest me, and I am fascinated by languages. Language is a huge part of life, of course, it's how we interpret everything around us, and the countless differences from language to language are truly intriguing.
I enjoy learning about languages. I have been learning some Spanish in school since third grade (currently I take Spanish IV), and I am fluent in German. I am a member of my school's International Club, Environmental Club, Anime Club, and Gay-Straight Alliance. I also play the piano and enjoy acting and volunteering.

I wish to immerse myself in Japanese culture and study the Japanese language. The Japanese language seems quite different from what I am used to, and I am excited to have started learning it.
When I was in eighth grade, through my middle school, my family hosted a Japanese exchange student for her short stay in America. That was three years ago, and Mayu and I still keep in touch, by emailing and sending letters and pictures. Even though we may be divided by language and country, we can still connect and establish a friendship. I value this experience.

Japan interests me quite a bit, and the language seems remarkable as well. I would like to experience something entirely new, become more independent, and show my enthusiasm for learning. I want to share what I know, too. The world is an amazing place, quite diverse and mindblowing, and the perfect place to learn and explore.

Therefore I have taken the first steps in the application process. I sent in my preliminary application in June this year, and hope to waste no time in going after my dream.
Fundraising is a part of this, and though I am saving my money and my parents are generously pitching in, any contribution will be appreciated. To sponsor my AFS program, a ChipIn widget will be added to this blog hopefully soon!
=)