My Study Abroad
Nagoya, Japan: March 2023 - January 2024

In 2023 I had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan but it left me with many emotions. Getting off the plane hit me like a whirlwind, experiencing emotions like excitement, anxiety, and a feeling of surrealness all at once. It was my first time traveling outside of the U.S., and as the plane touched down, a knot of nervousness settled in my stomach. Despite years of studying Japanese, I was really worried as to whether my language skills would be enough to get by, make friends, and survive on my own in a brand-new country. But at the same time, I felt a surge of excitement, eager to meet both Japanese natives and the exchange students and make new friends from all over the world. Getting to Japan was much easier than I had initially thought, and my host university was there every step of the way. However, to my surprise and delight, I also arrived just in time for the cherry blossom season. Seeing the delicate pink petals drifting through the air felt like stepping into a dream, as the goal I had set for a long time was finally happening, reassuring me that I was exactly where I needed to be. Soon after, I began exploring the vibrant streets of Nagoya, visiting bustling places like the Osu shopping district, seeing historical sights like Nagoya Castle, and immersing myself in the fun atmospheres like the Pokémon Center in Nagoya. These early adventures made me realize that Japan was not just a destination—it was becoming a place where I could create memories with new and old friends while discovering the wonder the country had to offer.

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Adjusting to life in Japan was more challenging than I initially anticipated. I had imagined the transition would be smooth, but juggling new classes, navigating a different academic system, and settling into an unfamiliar lifestyle quickly became overwhelming. There were many cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan, such as the emphasis on group harmony rather than individual expression and the practice of indirect communication. The subtlety of indirect communication, in particular, often left me feeling confused and frustrated. I could understand the words people used, but their actual intent or meaning sometimes felt elusive, like there was an unspoken layer that I was missing. I realized that Japanese communication often requires reading between the lines—a skill I was not initially adept at, but one I had to quickly develop to avoid misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Social etiquette was another adjustment. In Japan, people are remarkably considerate in public spaces, speaking quietly and maintaining personal space to ensure mutual respect. This was especially noticeable on public transportation, where trains would often be nearly silent. At first, I felt self-conscious, worried that every small action, even my breathing, might stand out in the stillness. The heightened sense of decorum left me anxious, wondering if I was inadvertently breaking social rules. Beyond behavior, I was also visibly different from everyone around me. Being a foreigner in Japan, I couldn’t blend into a crowd, and I often felt as though I was drawing attention, even if unintentionally. This feeling of being watched amplified my initial struggles, as I felt both culturally and visually out of place, making the adjustment even harder. Balancing my studies with adapting to a new environment added another layer of difficulty. The academic system itself was different; group activities and quiet dedication were emphasized, and the classes had a unique structure that gave an uneasy amount of flexibility when compared to what I was used to in the U.S. Despite these challenges, I managed to keep pushing forward, relying on the support of my new friends and reminding myself that adaptation takes time. Slowly, I began to learn the cultural cues, understand the subtleties of communication, and adjust my own behaviors. Each day was a step closer to feeling at home in Japan, and although I didn’t fully blend in, I found myself growing more comfortable, learning to appreciate and adapt to the cultural nuances that initially felt overwhelming.
 

However, just as things started to click, life threw me an unexpected curveball. During a soccer game with some of my friends, I fell and contracted a severe and life-threatening illness called sepsis from an ant that sent me to the hospital. The sudden shift from excitement to uncertainty was devastating. As I laid in my hospital bed, grappling with dark thoughts, I wondered, “Is this it? Is my study abroad experience ruined before it even really began?” Those early days in the hospital were some of the hardest of my life. At times, it felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. But in the depths of my frustration and sadness, I decided to look for something positive to hold on to. I realized that, even in the hospital, I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the Japanese language in a way I never expected. I began speaking with the nurses, doctors, and physical therapists, practicing every chance I got. Conversations that began as simple exchanges about my condition turned into more meaningful interactions that gave me a sense of purpose during a difficult time. Each small conversation felt like a victory and a reminder that even setbacks could be part of the learning experience. Recovery wasn’t easy, and I had to push myself physically and mentally to regain my strength. But after a month and a half, I was finally discharged, ready to step back into the life I thought I had lost. The support I received throughout the ordeal was overwhelming. Friends I had made came to visit me regularly, bringing encouragement and laughter when I needed it most. My parents even made the trip to Japan to be with me, which gave me the emotional strength to keep going. Their presence, along with the kindness of my friends, reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that this experience, though challenging, was shaping me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. When I was finally well enough to return to school, I jumped back in with renewed determination. I finished my first semester at Chukyo University, but something inside me told me my time in Japan wasn’t over yet. I decided to extend my stay, not just because I wanted to experience more of the country, but because I felt a deep connection to the people who had supported me. They had become more than friends; they were family. I wanted to continue learning, exploring, and making the most of every moment in Japan, knowing that my journey, despite its rocky start, had become far more meaningful than I ever could have imagined.

In the months that followed my recovery, I embraced every opportunity to explore and experience more of Japan’s rich culture. With a renewed sense of purpose, I traveled across the country, visiting places I had only dreamed about—wandering through the  streets of Osaka, reflecting on history in Hiroshima, feeding deer in Nara, and taking in the scenic beauty of Awajima and beyond. Each destination revealed a new layer of Japan’s charm and deepened my appreciation for its people, traditions, and landscapes. I even got more involved with my host university doing things like the school festival helping run the international booth alongside my classmates. It was an unforgettable experience working together to represent different cultures, bringing people together through food, games, and laughter. I also found unexpected joy in teaching English at the high school subsidiary of my host university. I was able to build connections with students, watching their language skills and confidence grow while gaining new insights into the education system in Japan. One of my proudest moments during my time in Japan came when I took on a Japanese escape room challenge with friends based on the anime "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure". Working through puzzles entirely in Japanese was daunting, but the thrill of succeeding showed me how much I had grown, both linguistically and mentally, since arriving. Life had a few more surprises in store, too. Somewhere along this journey, I met someone special who would later become my girlfriend, making my time in Japan even more meaningful. 

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As I sat on the plane, preparing to leave Japan, I reflected on everything that had unfolded—both the challenges and the triumphs. I realized that this experience had taught me more than I could have ever imagined when I first set foot in the country. The struggles I faced were just as valuable as the adventures, shaping me into a more resilient, open, and adaptable person. Life is rarely predictable; sometimes, it takes unexpected detours to find the most meaningful moments. As the plane lifted into the sky, I thought, “Every challenge is a chance to grow, and every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to discover something new.” I left Japan with not only memories but a new perspective, knowing that the lessons I learned abroad would stay with me long after I returned home.