It’s been a while since I’ve returned to the United States, if the post date is any indication. A new semester is just beginning, and it’s hard not to reflect on what I’ve experienced in my time away. Prior to this, my idea of Japan didn’t really have any firsthand experiences to draw from; I only knew of the nation from pictures, cultural media, and other people’s stories. It’s an entirely different matter to experience being in a place yourself. In that short time from mid August to mid December, I lived, studied, and made new memories in Japan that I treasure deeply.
Truthfully, my first thought upon arriving in Atlanta’s international airport was “thank goodness it’s over.” Not the study abroad experience, though, just the flying. Between two layovers, three flights, and four airports, I was exhausted. I left Kansai International Airport in Osaka around 3 PM Japan time, and by the time I arrived in Atlanta, it was 9 PM EST. In other words, I spent essentially an entire day in transit back to Atlanta. That includes all the times I accidentally stood in the wrong line for customs, moved my bags to the wrong luggage line, or just generally got lost. Admittedly, Japan was the first time I’ve flown internationally, the second time I’ve ever been on a plane at all, and my first experience with navigating an airport solo. All in all though, once I managed to get to the right terminal, everything went smoothly. The flights themselves were the most stress-free part of my entire journey.
When I first set foot in the United States again, it didn’t really register with me. Traveling sapped most of my energy, so I didn’t feel much of anything beyond slight relief that another part of my trip home had been completed. The actual realization that I was back home really hit when I got out of Atlanta International Airport. My family was waiting at my baggage carousel, so I dragged my bags over (albeit slowly from the weight) and hugged everyone tight. I could rest now that I knew my part of the journey was complete. We drove an hour to a relative’s home nearby, and after some chatting for an hour or two, I crashed into bed. At first, I didn’t think jet lag would be that bad, but I quickly realized that wasn’t the case as my internal clock had me growing drowsy at 4 in the afternoon. Thankfully, Winter Break was perfect for sleeping in.
There were some moments where being back home did seem strange. I had to use public transit to get around some of the airports on the way home, which felt a bit noteworthy considering the vast majority of my experience with public transportation was back in Japan. My hometown has next to no form of public transit to speak of, so seeing subways and the like with signs all in English was not something I was necessarily used to. Driving back also felt odd given that I hadn’t set foot inside a typical car since I left. A part of me felt worried that my driving would be worse from not being behind the wheel for so long. But, with time, I gradually fit back into my usual routine.
More than simply leaving Japan, though, I find myself deeply sad to have left so many people to part our own ways. Friends I grew very close to are now hundreds, if not thousands of miles away, each adjusting to their own daily lives at home. In the moments I shared with them, I wasn’t really thinking about how we’d all have to go eventually. Maybe subconsciously I assumed that they’d be just as accessible and common in my life when I got back. I still keep in contact with the people I’ve met, but it isn’t the same as living in the same city and attending the same university. Even if the time we spent was rather brief in the grand scheme of things, I’m beyond glad to have gotten to know them. I feel they’ve made me a better person for it.
Now, as I sit at my desk typing out these words, I’m left to ponder what else I’d like to add in this last post. If you’re reading this, you may be considering your own journey abroad. It’s an exciting, yet daunting task. I can’t say that the experience will be totally smooth sailing; studying abroad isn’t a vacation. Studying abroad also doesn’t mean the daily ups and downs of living fade away either. But even knowing that, I think going to explore a new place is one of the greatest things you can do. Learning more about the world we live in is extremely important in our ever more connected lives. Being in Japan has only strengthened my belief in this idea.
So, should you find yourself packing up to go abroad, the best thing I can tell you is this: give yourself some slack. Being in a new place is stressful, and there may be times when it feels overwhelming. But, that feeling will pass. A new place with a different culture, including a potentially different language from your own, is a challenge, but one you can overcome, as long as you give yourself the space to make mistakes and learn. People know when you’re trying, and so long as you’re doing your best to respect the culture, you’ll be perfectly fine. You don’t have to be hard on yourself about whether you’re doing something right; people understand that you’re learning, and chances are, they think highly of you for taking the time to do it in the first place. Treat yourself and others with compassion, and you’ll learn the rest before you know it.
And, if you’re looking for something more on the logistics end, research is going to be your best friend while abroad. The fewer things you leave as “I’ll figure it out at the airport,” the better. Figure out where you’re going to be staying and how you’re going to get there. Find out how you’re going to get currency, and make sure to keep it with you. Personally, I exchanged USD for yen to have on me before I left the US to save some hassle at the airport. I did something similar with my cell phone by getting a Japanese eSIM card that activated automatically once I got to Japan. (Make sure to check with your data provider to see if you can use one!) Essentially, make sure you know as much about the process and where you’re going as you can. It’ll make things much smoother once you have to leave.
With that, I wish you good luck on your travels. Meet new friends, learn new things, and make new memories that you can look back on fondly. Have a great time!
