Feelings and Goals on my Trip to Japan

The time has come.

I'm only one semester away from studying abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

To be honest, I'm kinda scared. Japan is a long ways away, 6,928 miles to be exact. I'll be halfway across the world from my family and friends. There's no Mom there to visit you if your sick or need free food. The language is no joke either. It's a complicated language that's no way Latin based. I can't guess like I can with French or Spanish. I've studied Japanese for two years at this point, but I'm nervous about speaking, especially to natives. Will they understand me? Can I really ask where the bathroom is located? In reality, they probably will be able to understand me, and I really can ask where the bathroom is located. It certainly helps that classes at Kansai Gaidai will be in English, but these fears are still present. After all, you never know what will happen until you get there.

But even with these fears, the feeling of excitement overwhelms it significantly. In a weird way, I'm actually excited to speak to Japanese people in Japanese, despite my fears. Living in a language surrounded by natives is the best way to learn that language. By being constantly surrounded by it, I'm hoping to improve my language skills. That's not all I'm excited about! I can't wait to immerse my self in culture. Japan's culture is so different, but yet so similar to the US. They have such a rich and deep history that the US, and even some parts of Europe, don't have. I want to explore it all.

So, what do I actually want to do while I'm in Japan? Or in other words, what are my goals?

Well, I mention a couple already. First, I want to expand my language skills. The best way to do that is to talk, talk, talk. Talk to as many people as I can. Write as often as I can in Japanese. Watch and listen to Japanese TV, movies, and music. Even though my classes will be in English, I can not use it as a crutch. If I do, I'll severely hinder my learning skills. It does help that I will be taking a Japanese langue course. Second, I want to explore and observe the Japanese culture. How do college students differ? How are they similar? Why are the differences there? I may not be able to fully get the answers, but at least I'll be a step closer since I'm physically there. I also have to realize that I'm only there for a semester. Not only that, my classes will begin before Japanese students and end before them. I won't be able to get a fully immersive experience, but it's one step closer than where I was before. And thirdly, I want to try some authentic ramen. I'm done with the 75 cent stuff. It doesn't even have to be ramen. I want to try real, authentic Japanese food.

Since I'll only be in Japan for a few months, I want to make sure I get the maximum experience possible. To do that, I'll make friends while I'm there. Both international and local friends can help me with my language skills and explore the area. I mean, it's going to be fun, so why not share with friends? Another way is to try as many things as I can and able to do. It might be new and different, but I should do these things while I can. For an example, go to a festival, or even to Tokyo. Even if I'm by myself, I should do those type of things. A finally way, though definitely not the last, is to do as well in my studies as I can. I'm there to learn. My classes focus on culture and sociological theories. As an International Studies with an Asian track major, studying Asian culture classes while in Japan is an opportunity that I don't want to miss. While I will have fun and plenty of adventures, I mustn't forget that I'm there to learn.

All in all, I'm fearfully excited about this trip. It'll be a range of emotions all at once, but I wouldn't want it any other way.