In the spring semester of 2025, I had the opportunity to study abroad at Chukyo University in Nagoya, Japan. Before studying abroad, I had never left the East Coast of the United States. The thought of getting on a plane and traveling over 7,000 miles away from the only place I had ever lived was daunting. At the time, I worried that my Japanese level was not high enough and that I would struggle to settle into my new surroundings. 

     In Japanese culture classes, I learned about the concept of uchi and soto. These words literally translate to inside and outside, but are used to describe social and cultural norms found in Japan. Uchi refers to an “in-group”, typically composed of family or friends, while soto refers to those in the “out-group”, typically strangers or those you do not know well. I grew up in the South, where striking up conversations and chatting with strangers is a part of the local culture, typically tied back to “Southern Hospitality”. I was worried that during my time in Japan, I would find it hard to connect with the locals, due to my language ability and our cultural differences. Upon arrival in Japan however, these fears were quickly put to rest. From the young woman who helped me buy train tickets and find my transfers, to the group who carried my suitcases through the station to my hostel on a dark, rainy night, to the gentleman who walked and talked with me as I brought my bags to my dorm, and finally to the elderly woman who struck up a conversation on the train and placed a flower pin in my hair as we parted ways, I was met with nothing but openness, patience, and kindness from everyone I encountered. These moments were pivotal in helping me feel at home, despite the physical distance.

      During my time abroad, I was able to befriend many of my Japanese peers, mainly through events organized by Chukyo’s Global Education Center and the Student Volunteer Organization for Intercultural Exchange, commonly referred to as the GEC and VOICE. Through the University’s almost 2-week-long orientation, I was able to meet Japanese students who were studying abroad in the following semester, attend many interactive workshops on Japanese culture, and take a group trip to Nagoya Castle. As the semester progressed, VOICE hosted a wide variety of events for the students. Some of my favorites include the Tanabata celebration, where we wore Yukata, designed our own traditional fans called uchiwa, wrote our wishes on tanzaku, and learned more about the history and story of the holiday. Another one of my favorite events was the Tokoname bus tour, where we got to explore the Inax Live Museum. The museum is dedicated to ceramics, clay, and architectural tiles, and during my visit I had the opportunity to learn about the rich ceramic culture of the city, which is commonly referred to as one of the country’s oldest pottery capitals. After the museum, we took the bus to Chubu Centrair International Airport, where we attended the Bon Dance Festival. Here I learned about Obon and participated in traditional Bon Odori dances. 
Outside of my school events, I had the opportunity to visit many places and learn about Japanese culture with my new friends. I had the opportunity to travel to Kyoto and Osaka, as well as many smaller cities within Aichi Prefecture. When asked about my favorite memories from study abroad, two specific memories come to mind. The first is the day I visited Astua-Jingu Shrine with a group of my friends. Here they taught me about proper shrine etiquette, and I was able to purchase my first omamori and omikuji, called lucky charms and fortune slips in English.

     The second memory is of my friend and her family’s kindness. Her family invited me to their home, cooked lunch for me, and showed me their local shrine, where they taught me about the traditional dolls called daruma, which are symbols of perseverance and good luck. On the day of my return to America her family met me at my dorm in the pouring rain, drove me to the airport, and saw me off. I am forever thankful for their help, and despite returning to America I keep in contact with them often. My friend even visited me in South Carolina for the 2025 semester winter break, and I have plans to visit her family in Nagoya this winter as well. 
 
     The weeks leading up to my departure were full of worry and doubt, but I think boarding that plane to Japan was the best decision I have ever made. My time in Japan helped teach me that some of the best opportunities come from places of uncertainty, and the friendships I formed help me not only improve my Japanese and cultural competency, but also deepen my self confidence.  To anyone who is considering studying a second language or studying abroad, I say do it! The opportunities for academic and personal growth are unlimited, and you will be able to form unforgettable friendships and memories!