This summer, I interned abroad through the University of Oregon for a publishing company in Tokyo as a copywriter. I got to network with companies all across Japan and center my work toward public relations, which is my field of study. It was the best experience of my life.
Despite these two months being the best in my life, adjusting to a new country for that long and the lifestyle change did have an affect on me at the start. It took some time to adapt as someone who had never been to Asia.
Here is a list of tips and tricks to help students settle into their time abroad.
Downloading different apps can help immensely when abroad. Transportation apps like Suica allowed me to travel easily while in Japan, while Google Translate eased my stress when it came to the language barrier.
Another big one is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is a messaging app, just like iMessage, but it’s much more popular in Europe and Asia. Having these ready to go makes the transition much easier when you are learning to get around your city or traveling outside of the area.
When thinking about culture shock, you might assume it to be worrisome or anxiety-inducing, but that isn’t always the case. More than you think, culture shocks are quite positive.
I had a conversation with An Ho, a UO junior who studied abroad in Tokyo, who said she was taken aback by the experience and loved some of the hidden surprises Japanese culture has to offer.
When it came to assistance while traveling, Ho explained that local residents of the area were always willing to help.
“The biggest culture shock for me was the willingness to help others, when it comes to meeting some of the specific demands, steps and tasks that you’re confused with, even just navigating the city or trying to order food,” Ho said. Ho explained it wasn’t something she was used to in America.
I believe that every university student should travel abroad during their time in college to immerse themselves in a new world and learn from the experience.
So let’s spend less time stressing and more time exploring.
