I promised myself I would study abroad in Japan. I promised myself I wanted to go somewhere in the Kansai area. Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka was my number one (and only) choice. But then tables decided to turn on me...

"My credits might not transfer to my home university... Oh, but the Critical Language Scholarship sounds great, let's try tha--wait a minute, I didn't make it to the semi-finals!?!? So now what...?"

NOW we'll get into the important part (I guess you can consider the first blurb a prologue!): The actual study abroad program I was on.

I lived in the suburban area of Tokyo while studying at KCP International, a rigorous Japanese language school right in Shinjuku. I was accepted right off the bat, and was there for eight weeks (from June 23, 2015 to August 14, 2015).

At first, I was extremely excited. After all, this was my first time living alone in a foreign country! Since I had previous experience in Japan, I thought this "living abroad" experience would be no problem at all. Before I even moved out to Tokyo, I strongly considered being an ESL teacher after graduation so I can live in Japan for even a longer time. My father used to say, "Think of it as practice for when the time comes!"

"Oh yeah, I'm fluent in the language! Plus I know how all of the culture and customs work, so this'll be no biggie at all!"

Heh, little did I know how misunderstood I was...

But don't get me wrong, I had the time of my life there! I went to Meiji Shrine, climbed up Tokyo Skytree, ate tons of fresh sushi and savory okonomiyaki, fell in love with Kanagawa, and even visited a lot of old friends from high school!

Q: So, what was the problem...?

A: What really set me off was the community I was surrounded by.

Yup, that's what triggered my culture shock. Before coming to Tokyo, I totally thought I'd make dozen of friends. And in the beginning, I did! Unfortunately, they faded away from me due to class scheduling differences. And then it got worse, they only came to me for help with their Japanese homework... All. The. TIME!!!

Even hanging out with them after school and on weekends just didn't feel right. I didn't feel the chemistry like I did with my friends from college and home.

And the people in my class? There were only three American students (including me!), and everyone else was from China or Korea. It felt very uncomfortable, as I felt I was being discriminated for my race and interests.

It hurt. It really did. It hurt so much that I cried almost everyday during the latter half of my program.

I would always Skype my parents, brother, and best friends - they were just as worried, too! They asked if I wanted to come home many times, but I kept answering them with: "No."

I felt if I left Japan midway, then I would have failed myself and disappointed my family and friends...

So I put up with it.

No matter how many times I dealt with the crazy commutes, scorching weather, stressful assignments, and getting bad scores on tests here and there, I did not give up.

Fast-Forward to August 14: It was over. It was finally over...

I can finally head back to my homeland, feel loved by community, and go on with the rest of my college life.

Q: So with all of those struggles and hardships you faced, do you disagree with recommending study abroad to other people and fellow colleagues?

A: Absolutely... NOT!! :)

While I did have some crummy moments during my time there, I learned so much from it. It may sound cliche, but you do learn a lot about yourself when you study abroad. For example, I now know next time I want to go to Japan, it'll be for leisure...AND I'll travel with people I trust and know beforehand!

And since I "practiced" living there, I realized working in the foreign language education field is not for me. And you know what? That's okay, I'm already in love with my brand new field/industry: Media Communications!

Overall, I do like talking about my study abroad stories; it reminds me of my new perspective, and gave me what I want next time I go there. Of course, that's not just limited to myself!

If you're ever thinking about, planning, or in the middle of your study abroad experience, consider this (It can really help!).

So until then, bon voyage!