UPDATE: Since then, I found out a certain number of things. First of all, I'll be attending the St. Paul High School (English Translation), which is pretty close to Tokyo. I guess it is similar to my old school, LILA, in a way that it is only about 3 times bigger, is a private Co-Ed school, has about the same number of high school students (209 vs about 100), and has a Ski Trip during the winter. However, from what I have seen from the website, they also seem to have a stable, along with a number of clubs and festivals, and also, they happen to be a Christian school. Being an atheist, I have no clue how that will change my day-to-day school life, but I don't think I'll mind it too much. As for my schedule for leaving Japan, it goes something like this:

• Sept 1: Leave Los Angeles at 6:10 AM
• Sept 1: Arrive in Chicago at 12:10 PM
• Sept 1 to 2: Pre-Orientation in Chicago
• Sept 2: Leave Chicago
• Sept 3: Arrive in Tokyo
• Sept 3 to 5: Orientation in Tokyo
• Sept 5: Depart by train to Hachioji-shi and start living with my new family
• July-ish 2010: Leave Japan :(

Earlier this year, while I was still contemplating how I will get through my last year of High School (curse the International Baccalaureate!!!) and move on with my life, I was introduced to a compelling opportunity to live and study in Japan along with a host family, taking yet another year of High School. Since then, I quickly applied, and have been waiting for a reply since January.

Incidentally, I've (finally) been accepted to Japan! I'll be leaving for my 5th year of High School in September, except in a completely new and unique county. 日本、よろしくお願いします。