Orientation Day was on the January 9th at the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa. Students from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University were present. Students from the University of Toronto and from the United States that will be attending the trip as well likely had their orientations closer to home.
Prior to Orientation Day: The Participant’s Handbook
Prior to Orientation day, I received a participant’s handbook through email from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. I read it before the Orientation Day as instructed and encourage all future participants to do the same as the information you receive during Orientation Day serves to clarify the material presented in the handbook.
The Meeting
Although it is called an orientation day, it was actually a conference-type meeting that lasted about 2 hours. We (the participants) were presented with useful information starting with a crash course on Canada-Japan relations over the past 100 years; followed by information about the trip, such a potential itinerary, how to dress, what to bring, health and security measures, a few important Japanese customs (so you don’t completely mess up in Japan) and expressions, etc.
Finally, after the meeting, we were given the opportunity to get to know each other over some tea, juice and snacks!
After Orientation Day: Online Mandatory Pre-Departure Training
After Orientation Day, I received an email from my university to inform me that the online mandatory pre-departure training was now available for me to complete. I have until February 3rd to do the training.
What about “The Feels”?
I put this capsule at the end because I know it’s not everyone that’s interested in the feelings of a university student, so I would rather separate the “factual” information from the “emotional” information.
I have to admit I was very anxious about the trip prior to Orientation Day because I didn’t know what to expect, especially when it came to the people. I read we would be sharing rooms (two or three people by room) in the handbook and I was kind of scared at the idea of having to share my room with a complete stranger. What if they were really mean, right?
However, after the meeting, all my worries were pretty much put to rest. Every question I had was answered during the presentations or during the question period at the end and exchanging with the other participants also put me at ease. People came from various backgrounds and had different reasons for applying to the project, but what everyone had in common is that they were extremely friendly (not in a creepy way, though, I promise). Of course, I haven’t yet met the students from the University of Toronto or from the United States that will be travelling with us, but I’m no longer worried that they’ll be just as friendly.
Once Upon A Bridge 