FYI, if people even in the states had a choice to deny or allow people to rent, it can only be for financial reasons, criminal record, or bad references. Too bad Japan also follows this law too.

Yes, ADHD meds + alcohol does equal bad. That’s why I was sarcastic.

I’ll be blunt folks, if you don’t care to go as far as reading the post and being consice with your argument and think about what you are going to write, then I will start deleting your comments. Potentially locking this post, since I have moved on to more interesting things in life. I have one class left before I graduate with my BA in Japanese Language, I don’t need to be stuck on this post stating over and over what has already been said.

For the record, my professors, advisors, and international reps have all looked into this. I was wronged, and it was illegal. End of story. I doubt you can prove that six professionals, maybe more who work behind them, were wrong.

Edit:
Comments locked. Have a lovely day! :D

Firstly, while ADHD is recognized in Japan it isn’t over-diagnosed the way it is in the states. Only extremely dysfunctional and/or anti-social cases get diagnosed at all. From the perspective of the host families, for you to include ADHD on your forms, you’re basically saying that you are affected by this condition to the extent that you have difficulty functioning period. Also, if you are taking one of the medications commonly prescribed for ADHD in the states, you are probably talking about bringing a controlled or illegal substance into their homes. (And no, just because you have an American prescription does not make it okay to have illegal drugs in Japan.)

Also, even in the United States where we have equal opportunity housing and anti-discrimination laws, none of them apply to a homestay situation because you would be sharing the house with the landlord. Even in the states, individuals have the right to choose who will live in their own house based on whatever criteria they feel like. It would be different if you were renting an apartment or dorm room from these people.

If you’re looking for conversation practice, one option is to attend class. Even if you are reviewing the same material that you have already learned the teachers at Hokkudai are excellent. Making friends with other students is also a great way to practice your Japanese (and they won’t cost you money.)

I won’t comment on whether going to bars is a good back up plan or not. It works for some people. (I wouldn’t be going so much that I would have to give up an awesome backpacking tour, but that’s just me.) Have you considered what effect this sudden increase of intake of alcohol is having on you? If you’re taking ADHD medications, you could be rocking some serious drug interactions. If I’m not mistaken, Ritalin + Booze = uncontrollable rage/high blood pressure/stroke.

The first rule of studying abroad is to take care of yourself and keep yourself healthy. If you don’t do that then you won’t have any fun at all.

You know, I tried to chat with you on AIM and was mildly annoyed that you were never online! So I poked around a bit and found this! :-o

I’m really sorry about your travel plans. I know that the Japanese program is a huge investment that you make, and I was surprised that you are this dedicated to speech and kanji.

Hope all goes well for you in August! Hopefully things will get better there and here.

Ada

This study is interesting:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109909/the-worlds-most-expensive-cities-2010