Lessons in Japan

The semester is coming to a close and I'd like to take the time to write down some thoughts. I think everyone should study abroad. I think everyone should study abroad in a non-Western culture. These past 4 months have been amazing and difficult all at the same time. I've had culture shock, I've been irritated, I've been homesick, but I've also been meeting people from all over the world, talking to strangers in a foreign language, learning patience and little quirky Japanese ways of doing things. I've been testing my limits in all things social, food related, and I'm going to return home changed. All people who study abroad for a period of time return home just a little different. There is something to be said for people who have experienced being a 'foreigner'. At home, we are not foreigners, and we are sometimes shaded by what they go through. It is always good to have understanding about others.

That being said, while I believe Japan has some of the greatest things in the world, udon, takoyaki, karaoke bars, .. I will be glad to be away from Japan's bad points. Over the course of this semester, I have learned that the Japanese 'system' is racist (by personal experience). And not just against people who are black, but white, and to my surprise other Asians! As a white foreigner from the West, I am automatically 'The Guest', although thankfully my host parents have shown me true kindness and care and worry. If you plan to visit Japan, being the Guest is great, but if you want to study abroad here, work here, live here, be sure to have a very strong will, don't be easily offended etc, because you will remain the Guest and nothing further outside of your group of friends.

I will be glad to rid myself of the by-stander apathy problem, which I personally didn't recognize until my own experience on the afternoon rush hour train, where a man stomped over to a woman who was talking on the phone and proceeded to yell at her flailing his arms in her face. No one on the train came to her rescue even though it looked as though he was about to hit her, not even I stepped in. I was prob. the most qualified to have as well. I am foreign, he would have backed off, but I just stood there and turned away.. and that was prob the most disappointed in myself that I have ever been. I swore that I'd help the next person who needed it, but I have yet to be able to redeem myself. The one regret I have in Japan.

I have learned Japanese to the best of my ability, I have grown close to my host parents who I hope, I will keep in contact with for many years to come, I have made wonderful friends who I can't wait to hang out with when I return (Go Terrapins!) and I am finally ready to come home. Home to my bed, my dogs, and my family. Thank you everyone, for supporting me while I've been away. I'll see you all soon!