I’ve often been asked, “Is studying abroad or living overseas fun? It looks like a lot of fun, doesn’t it?” I hear this repeatedly from students, friends in Japan, family members, relatives, and even former colleagues from my old job who see my posts on social media and say, “You seem to be having a great time!”
Well, of course it’s enjoyable! I mean, I wanted to do it, I wanted to go abroad, and that’s why I’m here. But no matter how much you love a place or enjoy your work, there are honestly tough times too. And besides, if you show your struggles while living a fun life on social media, you can’t really complain, can you?
Take, for example, relationships. We became really close friends, but then they finish their study abroad and have to return due to visa limitations. I miss my friends from my home country, but I can’t see them right away and I feel homesick. I got asked out on a date by someone I was interested in, and just when I start to feel something, he suddenly disappear. I finally built a connection with someone you like after several dates, and we were on the brink of becoming a couple, but then he vanished without a trace, and I couldn’t even contact him. People I trusted end up betraying that trust. As an adult, it’s hard to make new friends, and on top of that, struggling with communication in a second language only keeps things on the surface. I attend Meetup events and such, but I can’t establish that closeness and end up not making friends.
Then there’s the economic aspect. I work and work, but my salary doesn’t increase, and with rapid inflation, expenses keep rising. I want to move to a new apartment, but rent keeps going up due to the shortage of rooms, and a shared house takes half of my monthly income. At this point, my 10-year-old PC breaks down, resulting in a painful expense. I want to travel, get a wax, have my nails done, dye my hair, and even get a new tattoo, but I can’t because there’s no room in my budget. I want new clothes, but I’m struggling just to make ends meet. I want to visit Japan for a vacation, but I can’t even afford the plane ticket.
And then there’s work-related issues. Constant calls from parents of students. Dealing with complaints from students who don’t get what they want due to any kinds of conflicts. The mentality that paying money means they should get what they want, the “customer is god” mindset. People not doing their work because no one is saying anything to them. The sales team constantly disregarding rules and seeking exceptions. Students shifting the blame for their own losses onto you. Students constantly asking about your plans to return home, students who want to work in your position.
You see, just because you’re living outside of your country, in this case Japan for me, doesn’t mean life is easy, right? But I proudly say that it’s incredibly fun. Because that sense of “small happiness” I experience in various places gives me a kind of mental peace that I didn’t have back in Japan.
For instance, when I finish work and step outside, the weather is amazing, the air feels great, and since the days are long in summer, I think, “Maybe I’ll read a bit more outside.” Those moments when it’s so comfortable that I start to doze off a little. Waking up in the morning and deciding to go hiking with a friend. When the snacks you eat during the hike taste unbelievably delicious. When someone thanks me for being there and says, “You’ve made a difference in my life.” Eating ice cream and laughing about silly things with friends. Saying how delicious the food is while eating. Walking, singing, and listening to music on headphones. When you realize that coffee actually tastes good. Having friends who embrace you when you’re feeling down or struggling, people who compliment your English skills. Doing things you never did in Japan, like driving a boat or working out at the gym. Realizing that you enjoy moving your body, noticing changes in yourself.
Yeah, studying abroad is still tremendously enjoyable. Embracing the idea that hardships and challenges are the spices of life, and cultivating a mindset of persevering through them, can give you confidence when you overcome them. Pushing yourself beyond your limits isn’t healthy for your mental or physical well-being, but achieving change with just a little effort is incredibly rewarding. Even though you might not have the freedom you want, studying abroad is truly amazing and wonderful.