10/10 Would Do It Again and Again

I can easily and confidently say that participating in the Year in Japan Program has been the greatest, bravest, and perhaps craziest decision I've ever made. Dare I risk sounding cliche and say it was life-changing? I can't imagine myself now without this experience as a part of me, without all the memories I've made, the things I've learned, and the growth I've undergone.

This program includes a homestay, through whom I was able to genuinely experience everyday life in Japan and practice Japanese, including the grammar points and vocabulary I would learn in the intensive Japanese language classes where we studied Japanese in class for three hours every day (sounds rough, but you'd be surprised how quick it goes by). In addition to Japanese language classes, we took Japan Studies classes, which gave insight into various aspects of Japanese society or culture, such as history, art, economics, or linguistics. This program also includes two or three overnight field trips to historically and/or culturally significant parts of Japan to learn about its importance and practice Japanese. This year, we went to Koya-san, Shikoku, and Hiroshima.

Going to Japan has allowed my Japanese to improve exponentially. I can without doubt say that I have gotten much better at using and understanding Japanese, so much so to the point that I feel very comfortable accomplishing things by myself here, using only Japanese. Studying abroad has also helped me develop as an individual, helping me gain more self-confidence, independence, and a more positive outlook on life, adventure, and the world. By simply completing this program, let alone completing this program having made so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever, I have proven to myself how adaptable and capable I can become, and how having a positive mindset about new places and new experiences is the best way to live out my life.

In terms of memorable experiences I've made, they are innumerable, including so many things in Japan that I had never experienced before, from takoyaki to shiohigari. I've visited countless beautiful temples and shrines, both deep in a forest atop a mountain and in the heart of a bustling city. I've eaten all kinds of foods from varying regions. I've walked the streets of the biggest cities I've ever seen in my life. I've ridden the fastest train in the world. I've sung so much karaoke and been to so many theme parks. I've talked to so many kind people. I've watched so much hilarious television and so many children's shows whose theme songs were perpetually stuck in my head (thank you, 2-year old host brother). I've bathed in an onsen full of roses and made matcha tea by hand. I've attended my university's bunkasai and seen many taiko performances, of which my YiJ friends were a part, as well. I've had so much fun tutoring students in English. I've watched movies at the movie theater in Japanese and felt accomplishment when I understood most of what was being said. I walked 1,300 steps to the top of Konpira-san. I climbed to the top of Mt. Misen on Miyajima. I've watched the Naruto whirlpools while atop the world's longest suspension bridge. I've walked the winding pathways of Himeji Castle. I've eaten countless yattai foods. I've done so much in Japan that I can't do anywhere else, and I hope I remember these experiences forever.

There was never, not once in the whole of nine months, a single second of regret. There were, however, several moments of retrospective dread at the thought of not choosing to study abroad and missing out on this amazing adventure of a lifetime. So if you’re considering the Year in Japan Program, I think you should just jump in and do it! I know I’m extremely glad that I did.