Improving My Japanese Skills and Confidence Abroad

Student Blogger: Gladiz de la Rosa

I had been wanting to go to Japan for so long, but I never imagined it would be so soon. That being said, I knew I had to study abroad because I declared an International Studies major and it’s a requirement. But I always pushed it back as much as possible, until I realized that I was a junior and I’m supposed to graduate next year. Time really flies! I was insistent on pushing it back because there was no way I could afford it. I was unemployed and I hated being a burden on my parents. But when I explored my options, I found that CIS Abroad was very approachable and affordable to me. After the blur of applying for scholarships and wrapping up my spring semester, suddenly it was summer and I was counting down the days until my trip to Japan.

Nothing came as a culture shock because I had been researching everything I could about Japan since forever ago! It is my major, after all. Everything came as a pleasant surprise. “Oh, they really do line up for the train and the bus.” What was a not so pleasant surprise was the heat. I’m from Puerto Rico and I thought it would be similar weather. I live in North Carolina now, known for the humid summers. But nothing prepares you for the humidity in Tokyo! It was insane. But amongst the density of the buildings and people, there was also so much lush, beautiful greenery.

I’m very happy I chose Seisen University because it has one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve seen, with an ethereal statue. I complained a lot about the amount of walking I did and taking the stairs up to get to the actual university itself, but looking back I’m very happy and I feel like my health has improved as a result. It was very refreshing to experience a walkable city with reliable and safe transit! It was quite different from driving everywhere and I really got to appreciate my surroundings.

I also got to practice my Japanese which I feel like made it improve a ton! I got a boost of confidence and I definitely feel like I will be able to show my improvement to my Japanese professors back at home. I met lots of new people, and even made friends. I’m very grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone when it came to making new friendships because normally I am too anxiety-ridden to do so. So not only am I more confident in my Japanese skills, but also my people skills, in a way.

I’m looking forward to returning someday, but hopefully, it’ll be during cooler weather! Nonetheless, it was an amazing experience and I fulfilled my probably decade-long dream of coming here! Younger me would be amazed to know I did everything I did during these last four weeks. It’s weird knowing that it’s over but I’m also very happy and content with my time here.