The Impact of Studying Abroad on Life

Interviewers: Terakado Yuka, Paramawati Risma

Why Gena-san Studied Abroad

Risma: What made you decide to go to Japan?
Gena：I was interested in studying languages and was particularly interested in the Japanese language because of anime. Gradually, I became interested in the Japanese culture and history too.

Risima：What made you choose Ibaraki University?
Gena：PennState (where I studied) is a sister school of Ibaraki University and provided the best exchange program between them. So, Ibaraki was just the best choice, and it was so exciting for me.

Risma：How did you feel when you first came to Ibaraki University?
Gena： When I lived in Kaikan (accommodation for international students), I felt very supported by great tutors and friends. They helped me many times when I was there. All the staff at Kaikan were very helpful in making sure that we had a good time. There were not only people from the U.S. but also many students from other countries. It was so fun to meet so many people. I still have friends who I talked to from Japan,‐who I met when I first studied abroad in 2016.

Risma：It seems that you were able to accept life in Japan.
Gena： Yeah. Of course! But the food is different and not everyone speaks English. The first two weeks or so, it was hard to get used to. Of course, sometimes I was sad because of the time difference, I couldn't talk to my friends or my family back home. But I got used to it pretty quickly.

Everyone: Yokatta desu ne!!

Memories of Studying Abroad in Japan

Risima：What is your favorite part about the Japanese culture?
Gena: The biggest difference about Japan and the United States was the holidays. Japan celebrates like Obon, Natsu matsuri, and Oshogatsu; things like that are sometimes similar or different than what I'm used to celebrating here (in the United State). I was really interested in those things.

Risma：What was your greatest experience while studying in Japan?
Gena：I participate in a yosakoi dance. I don't know if they still do it, but that was really exciting for me because I’ve always seen the dance in anime and throughout the Internet. I always wanted to go to one, but it was super awesome to be able to actually be in one as a performer! So that was really cool.

Yuka: Was it a festival held near your Ibaraki University?
Gena: I don't remember, but I think it was held near Mito Station.
Yuka: So that's your greatest experience?

Risma: What about your difficult experience as a student?
Gena : I was worried about the test scores. I was always studying because I wanted to do really good. So, balancing schoolwork and also just having fun and getting to experience Japan at the same time was difficult for me. I've never left the United States and or been to a foreign country before, so I wanted to do as much as I could. Since I was only there for one semester, I felt very rushed.

Yuka: Were the tests and classes conducted in English?
Gena: Most of my classes were Japanese and all my tests were Japanese.

Yuka: That was a great way to study Japanese.
Gena: It was the best. I think it was the most helpful for me learning Japanese. It really pushed my level.

Risma: Did you take the JLPT test?
Gena: No, never because I hate tests.

Risma: But in Indonesia if you want to work in Japan you need JLPT certificate standard.
Gena: I know. Actually in 2018 and 2019, before COVID, I was working for Eikaiwa. I was able to work in Japan for a year. They don't really care if you speak Japanese or not because they want you to be like a native English speaker. So, I was able to work in Japan too.

Risma：What did you enjoy doing in Japan besides studying?
Gena: Good question. I went shopping a lot with my friends. There was also a party at Kaikan, so we all enjoyed it together.

Changes Brought About by Studying Abroad

Risma: What lessons did you learn through your study abroad?
Gena: The biggest thing I learned is how important it is to get out of your comfort zone. I had never left the U.S. before, so going to Japan was a really big decision. However, I was never really able to try new things and missed out on new experiences. It wasn't what I was used to in America. Sometimes it was hard and sometimes it was easy. It really pushed me to have good experiences because I left my comfort zone, and I left what was familiar which was the best thing for me.

Yuka: Did your experience in Japan change your life?
Gena: Definitely. When I studied abroad at Ibaraki university and then came back to America, I wanted to go back. It really pushed me to work in Japan. So, I had that year of experience when I worked for eikaiwa (English conversation) school. I still have a lot of my friends from Ibaraki. So, I cannot imagine if I had never met them or never studied abroad. It definitely had a big impact on my life and a little bit on my career.

Risma：Finally, can you give us a message?
Gena：The biggest thing is to not be afraid and try new things and try new experiences. You'll probably never be a student in a foreign country ever again. While you're a student, do everything that you ever possibly want to do. The time you have as a student is very precious, so I hope you will challenge new things and make the most of your time.

Yuka and Risma: Thank you very much.