Before I went abroad I was so excited yet a little nervous about my new life in Japan. I had so many ideas about what my experience would be like, but I really had no idea what to expect. Now that I've since returned, looking back, it was more than I could have ever dreamed and it made me grow so much as a person. Going abroad can be challenging and uncomfortable, but the reward far weighs out the negatives.
My first few days in Japan were some of the hardest days during my time abroad. It was my first time traveling abroad by myself where I knew absolutely no one. Navigating the train system with two 50lb bags was one of the most grueling tasks (I'm getting flashbacks) I had ever experienced. I wasn't allowed to move into my dorm when I first arrived so I stayed at an Airbnb for my first few days in Japan. I was all by myself and had no one to talk to. I definitely cried a few times. The day I was allowed to move into my dorm I was so excited to finally socialize with people.
The people you meet abroad will be one of the highlights of your experience. Everyone that I've talked to about their time abroad always mentions the amazing people that they met. You will meet so many different people from around the world and it's so fun to hear about people's home countries and experiences. I still talk to my friends that I met every day and I already have plans to meet up with some of them in the near future.
Living in a different country will make you notice little cultural differences you would have never noticed otherwise. Going to the grocery store will be a fun excursion every time and maybe even going to the bathroom can be a fun surprise (Japanese toilets are amazing). This also means you will experience culture shock. Sometimes it can be a little hard, but if you are able to share your concerns and difficulties with others it will make it a lot easier and they are probably feeling the same way too!
The school that you will be attending will probably be different from your home university. From the grading system to how long classes are. It was a little rough sometimes, especially having Japanese for 400 min a week compared to the 200 min I was doing at my home university. Try to make friends with the local students to get insider info on school happenings and which classes you should take.
These are some of the major things I think you should know when studying abroad, but everyone's experience is unique and there will be experiences that you have that will be completely different from my own. Get ready for a once in a lifetime experience!
