Madalyn Godfrey/ Fourth Estate

A last-minute decision to study in a new country may be what you need to break the day-to-day routine

BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR

When first arriving at Mason, students have a variety of goals they wish to accomplish. For some, it may be to graduate with a GPA of 4.0 or to develop and present research at a conference. Others may aim to pass their classes and earn a degree in four years or simply want to expand a professional network of peers.

Whatever the goal may be, I suggest considering one more goal: studying abroad.

As a bright-eyed freshman in the fall of 2021, studying abroad was my other goal in mind aside from graduating. Where I would study was never a concern; however, to travel, expand horizons and experience a new way of living day-to-day was something I have always wanted to do.

As my time at Mason continued, school and work became my daily focus; it wasn’t until this past February that I would finally, as a senior, find myself face-to-face with the computer screen and the Mason Global Education Office (GEO) website.

“Japan: Rise of the Super-Aged Society.”

When I applied, the application deadline was in two days and the deposit was due in six. Despite having an unrenewed passport or driver’s license, I found myself on the other side of the world six weeks and a 14-hour flight later. In complete culture shock, I stood in a place where I am unfamiliar with the language and the culture.

The Mason GEO website describes culture shock as “the anxiety a person feels when moved to a completely new environment…. An opportunity for redefining yourself and learning and acquiring new perspectives.”

That is all part of the experience– to force yourself in a new place to learn, grow and rediscover the parts of yourself you once forgot or never knew were there.

Japan was truly a beautiful, immersive experience.

With no cell service and a reliance on Wi-Fi, I couldn’t use a translation app or an online map unless it was previously downloaded. While this could be considered a concern, it was the best part of my time abroad. I was disconnected from obligations and tasks and, instead, reconnected with what it is like to be in the present moment.

I stumbled into unique hole-in-the-wall cafes and had conversations with language barriers where the only word repeated was “arigato,” or “thank you” in English. Each day I spent developing meaningful relationships with neighborhood community members and taking in every ounce of the environment around me through Shinto festivals, famous landmarks and the nightlife.

The culture shock was not as bad as a person may think.

There were moments where I may have lost my way while exploring, and there were times when I deeply understood what it was like to be a foreigner with no awareness of anything happening around me. However, the humility to recognize the shortcomings and to move past them allowed me to appreciate the differences between our two cultures. 

While I experienced so much in 15 days, there is still much to be discovered. Whether it’s continuing to build self-confidence and intercultural competence or exploring more of the country’s big cities and countryside, there is no doubt of a desire to go back and visit Japan.

I encourage you to study abroad. Get away from the work and school routine and find yourself in a new country. Immerse yourself in the culture and come back home changed and wanting to return. 

Although I recommend studying in Japan or enrolling in the “Japan: Rise of the Super-Aged Society” program led by Dr. Megumi Inoue, any study abroad opportunity you pursue will be an unforgettable experience that will always stay with you.