Studying Abroad: the Ups, the Downs, and Finally Feeling “At home”! (Part 4 of a 4 Part Series)

Part 4: “The best education is making the most of every day”

An “international education” can be obtained a variety ways.  Classroom lectures and discussions by professors and other students are invaluable.  However, I also strongly believe that spending time outside the classroom and experiencing “everyday life is just as crucial. What you experience in public gives you the life skills needed to become a more independent and mature adult. For most study abroad students, we are still in the “forever young, student life” phase.  We are also getting closer to the phase where we have to face the “real world.” Without knowing things like how to ride a train, navigate one’s way through a city successfully, avoid drunkards and dangerous people, ask for directions and help, and most importantly, not looking helpless, you are bound to have endless problems.

Eating traditional New Year's food for the first time in Japan

It felt so surreal to visit my family's hometown for the 1st time (Shikoku, Japan)

Everyone handles their everyday lives and actions differently; not every action is exactly right or wrong. How one perceives and then handles life’s many challenges will affect the outcome. I know there is so much more I need and want to learn about in Japan. With that in mind, I have decided to take a leap of faith and “say yes!” to many opportunities presented to me.  I’m taking a stab at them, knowing I might “mess up” – but I may also spectacularly succeed!   There are still so many pages to be filled in my “Japan Story” before I get on that plane to return home.  I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow!

Trying my first 빙수 (shaved ice) in Seoul, South Korea.

Stepping back in time at the Ryukyu Village in Okinawa

End of Part 4