YouAlberta
It seems like a lifetime ago when I wrote my article on applying for a study abroad program. But I’m now back, having completed my incredible journey through South Korea and Japan! It was an unforgettable summer full of memorable experiences and I will undoubtedly be returning at the first opportunity I get.
Alongside all the fun, I’ve also gained invaluable insight, having grown exponentially in the couple of months I was abroad. While I couldn’t possibly adequately impart you with that growth through words, I’d like to give you all my three biggest pieces of advice so you all can make the most of your own adventures and experience that growth for yourself!
Be prepared for change.
I think this is a given, considering you’d be going to a whole other country. But also, keep your mind open because sometimes, you might actually like that change! For me being from the frigid lands of Canada, I was terrified of the stories of unbearable heat in Asia. But I soon found that even when my friends were sweating their faces off under the blazing heat, I was fine and actually quite liked the 30-degree-plus temperatures.
Of course, that’s not to say all change will be easy to adapt to. For many, I think being away from your friends and family for such a long period of time will be one of the most difficult parts. During my study abroad program in South Korea, I was relatively unfazed as I had made friends, though there were definitely moments where I felt a bit lonely. In these cases, I recommend video calling your loved ones and really leaning into your circle of support in the country you’re visiting. In contrast, when I was travelling in Japan, I had little time to even stop and ponder; there was no time to feel lonely.
Not to mention, culture shock! Even if you’re already familiar with the culture, be prepared to see and learn things you could only learn while living in the country. And remember always to respect the local practices, even if it seems strange to you.
Use your time wisely.
I think one of my biggest regrets going into my program is that I hadn’t adequately planned an itinerary. It’s very easy to get caught up in the rush of preparing for the move and then getting into school, so try to plan in advance. I found I spent many days not really going out and then scrambling during the last couple of days after the semester was finished to cram as many activities in as possible. I recommend at the very least laying out what activities you want to do ahead of your trip; check out Tiktok, search the internet, and ask friends for recommendations. Having an idea of what you want to do is half the work— then it’s simply a matter of scheduling things. I think this is optimal as it leaves you with the flexibility to make plans as you go. Especially because you’ll be in the country for an extended amount of time, you’ll have plenty of time to get things done on your list.
Flexibility is incredibly important as things won’t always go according to plan. For example, while I was in Kyoto, I ended up losing one of my days to a typhoon! It was a huge disappointment as I had less time to do all the things I wanted to do, but instead of grumbling, I took the day as a much-needed rest day.
Rest days are extremely important, especially if you’re anything like me: an always on-the-go traveller. A rest day doesn’t necessarily entail just staying home and not doing anything; it could just be a chill day of shopping around as opposed to climbing ten mountains in a day. Even if you have boundless amounts of energy, taking some time to slow down will help you recharge for even more fun and give you time to savour your travels.
Don’t be ashamed that you’re learning
As a perfectionist, I think one major struggle I had was feeling a bit ashamed of the mistakes I’d made. Whether it be not knowing a Korean word or not realizing I hadn’t given enough money to pay for an onigiri at a konbini, the process of learning was constant and, sometimes, difficult to swallow. I wanted to be perceived as naturally as possible and not as someone who didn’t know what they were doing. This pressure sometimes made me afraid of messing up and stepping out of my comfort zone.
I think it was important to remind myself that mistakes were a necessary means to an end; if I didn’t make these mistakes, I would never be able to reach the fluency or comfort I wanted to achieve. Though it didn’t completely stop the pain of embarrassment, it helped me be more confident and unafraid of it.
I think one thing that became apparent to me was the power that confidence holds. This is reflected not only in your own attitude but also in how others perceive you. I found that when I was timid, locals would pick up on it and more often default to English. But when I spoke without reserve and with less hesitation, even if I made mistakes, locals tended to stick to whatever language I spoke to them. It’s all in your presence, so don’t be afraid to be a bit audacious.
Ultimately, as I reflect on my summer, I can look fondly upon both the joys and struggles of my time abroad. I think I grew more in those couple of months than I could ever have staying home. So, if given the opportunity, I highly encourage you all to go for it and embark on your own adventure of a lifetime!
For more information on how to get started planning, read Jaden’s guide to planning your study abroad program.