If someone were to ask me whether studying abroad was worth it or if I would recommend it to those considering it, I believe I would respond with resounding “YES”.
The timing and reasons for studying abroad, as well as the benefits gained, vary for each person, but one thing is certain: it allows you to take a step forward. The magnitude of that step varies from person to person, but it undoubtedly has a profound impact on your life thereafter.
For instance, experiencing studying abroad might help you discover the career path you want to pursue or reveal interests you never knew you had. While you might have dreamt of moving abroad, you could end up realizing that your home country is where you truly belong. Unexpected encounters with people might completely change your perspective on life perhaps.
Every study abroad information website and agent emphasizes that the key to successful study abroad experience is taking action from YOU. And while it’s undoubtedly challenging, especially being in a foreign land for the first time, away from family, in a place with a different language and culture, it’s true. Nothing begins and little is gained without your own initiative.
For example, you might decide to study English by attending a language school in an English-speaking country for six months. However, just going to school and attending classes isn’t enough. It depends on how many friends from other countries you can make, how well you can communicate, and whether you can participate in communities outside of school. Without strong determination and proactive behavior, your gains will be limited, and due to human nature, you might find yourself taking the easy way out. After all, it’s more enjoyable to stay in your room and read manga in Japanese, and use Japanese social media, and talk to friends or family in Japanese.
As long as you’re a Japanese person, it’s inevitable that there are things you can’t do in Japan due to the judgement of others. However, outside of Japan, you might find that you can do things you’d hesitate to do in Japan. *One thing I want to emphasize loudly is that even though you might think you would be able to do something abroad that you shouldn’t do morally in Japan, it’s a big misunderstanding. It’s not recommended, as it’s not the right thing to do, and it only diminishes your integrity.
Even as a Student Advisor in the language school, I’ve noticed a common thread among students who I think have grown a lot. It’s about how much they initiated conversations with others and how much effort they put into gaining experiences. The speed of growth and the demeanor or graduates seem to be influenced by these factors.
Studying abroad does require investing money and time, so naturally, you’d want it to be a valuable experience. Occasionally, you might come across individuals on job search websites who label working holidays or studying abroad as running away. However, if you have the determination to push your boundaries and venture beyond your comfort zone while abroad, then it’s not an escape. If you’re considering studying abroad just to buy time for something else, I wouldn’t recommend it. But if you have the desire to try something new and challenging, regardless of your age, then you have the power to shape your own future, and I think it’s a great idea to give it a shot.
One thing I believe in is that the regrets from trying something are often better to bear than the regrets from not trying at all. So, why not give it a try? You might find that you’ve grown another step along the way.