As I was preparing for this trip, I felt such excitement. I’m the type of person that doesn’t feel the nervousness until, literally, the night before. I could barely sleep the night before my flight. Also, I think I was more nervous about the flight than going to another country! It was my first time on a plane, so I was concerned. However, before all that, I had fun planning everything I would need and collecting any products or necessities from the store. I am an organized person and tend to enjoy planning things ahead. So that, plus the thought of finally experiencing Japan, heightened my excitement.

As for any concerns I had and still have, the main one is hitting a spot of homesickness. Honestly, it’s almost like the thought that I am actually halfway around the world hasn’t entirely sunk in. I don’t know if it will later, but I seem to be in a mindset where I really have to remember that I am in another country. I have settled in really well and met the other exchange students. I still worry that I will hit a wall of culture shock. I was worried about that before I left America. I tend to be a very optimistic person and I have made some reliable and caring friends with other international students, as well as Japanese students at Hakuoh. I worried before departing that I wouldn’t make close friends here to have company, but I believe I will make close connections with many people. I feel that if I do hit that moment, I will be prepared and have a great support system. Also, I know that I am not at a high level of fluency in Japanese (I definitely felt it upon arrival), so I hope I don’t hit the moment of feeling like I can’t do it. I know I have to get involved and try to develop my skills, so I will do my best. Having the classes taught in Japanese and joining at least one club will help tremendously.

To continue preparations to reduce my concerns, I basically need to keep doing what I have been doing: remaining optimistic, realizing what the qualities of culture shock are, and developing good friendships. I am the type of person that does best when I have good company.