By Holly Riley

Studying in Japan has been one of the most meaningful and most memorable experiences of my life. Living and studying in a different country pushed me far outside my comfort zone, but it also allowed me to grow. From cultural experiences to personal challenges, my time in Japan shaped my independence and strengthened my language skills.

One of the biggest highlights of my exchange was the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand, rather than just learning about it in a classroom. A particularly special memory was travelling to Kyoto with my Japanese friend, where I had the chance to wear a kimono for the day. The geta shoes were unfortunately a little too small for my feet but apart from that, walking through historic streets dressed in traditional clothing was such a fun experience. Another highlight was staying with my friend’s family over the New Year period. Being welcomed into their home and included in their celebrations was incredibly meaningful to me. I was able to experience a traditional Japanese New Year’s Day, including Osechi Ryori, Otoshidama and wishing at various shrines for good luck. This experience helped me understand the importance of family tradition in Japanese society, and it made me feel genuinely connected rather than like a temporary visitor. Even with my diet restrictions, they were very accommodating and made sure there was a way I could try traditional Japanese food.

While my exchange was full of amazing moments, it also came with its challenges. One of the biggest difficulties I faced was adjusting to daily life in a foreign language. Even though I had studied Japanese before coming to Japan, using it constantly in real-life situations was overwhelming at first. I would get nervous and say the wrong thing or muck up my pronunciation and stay awake at night with embarrassment, but being in an environment where I’ve had to speak Japanese every day quickly helped build my confidence in the language.

Living alone in a new country also forced me to become much more independent. I had to manage my time, finances, transportation, and daily responsibilities by myself. There was no familiar support system to rely on, which was challenging. Over time, I became more confident in making decisions and solving problems on my own. I have always been a bit of a nervous traveller but I was able to adjust and navigate Japan’s public transport easier than I expected. This independence is something I know will benefit me long after my exchange has ended.

Overall, my exchange in Japan taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. I learned that it is okay to make mistakes, and that growth often comes from uncomfortable situations. Experiencing a different culture so closely has also made me more open-minded and appreciative of perspectives different from my own. I expect this exchange will have a lasting impact on my future. The independence and confidence I gained will help me both academically and personally.