Going to Japan!
Ever since my first experience going to Japan in 2012, I knew I had to go back again. I have always heard of the amazing opportunities abroad that Northeastern offers; however, due to being a transfer student and wanting to graduate on time, my schedule was restricted to fulfilling major requirements. It wasn’t until last year that I realized that I could pursue a dialogue, and in a heartbeat, I knew where I wanted to go: Japan.
After being accepted into the Japanese Culture and Language dialogue, I was ecstatic to once again visit Japan. However, as time gets closer to departing, I feel more nervous than excited. I think part of the reason that contributes to the nervousness would be that I have never been abroad for more than two weeks, whereas this dialogue is a little over a month. Additionally, as I like to be prepared for whatever happens, I am more afraid that I’ll forget something important in America than being abroad. I do think all the nervousness will fade once the trip starts and the excitement will start to kick in.
One goal that I would like to achieve on this trip would be to enhance my fluency in Japanese. This dialogue delivers the perfect environment for that. Within the program, there are conversation sessions with native Japanese students in which we are challenged to uphold the conversations in Japanese. With that and being in Japan will definitely help improve my fluency. Another goal is to not be afraid to try something new. Being abroad presents bustling new opportunities and I would like to take advantage of that. Whether it be trying out an interesting Japanese delicacy or taking part in a cultural activity, I would like to take advantage of the opportunities.
Coming out of this experience, I expect that I my outlook on life would change. By spending some time in a foreign country and experiencing the lifestyle, I believe that it exhibits opportunities to see what I may take for granted in America. In addition, I can even view how my lifestyle can be improved by experiencing the one in Japan.
As simple as it sounds, I am most looking forward to just being in Japan and experiencing the culture. With my previous experience in Japan, I enjoyed exploring and being surrounded by the culture. With that, the next post will be when I am in Japan!
