Planning for Summer Abroad in Japan - Rosa
A Brief Bio
Hi! I’m Rosa, a second-year student majoring in Psychology and Sociology at UTSG. This summer will be my first time participating in the Summer Abroad Program, and I’m beyond excited to be heading to Japan for the very first time! I can’t wait to explore a new culture, meet new people, and experience everything this opportunity has to offer. I’m also thrilled to be the Media Correspondent for Japan:) Stay tuned for all the fun updates!
What are your main goals for your Summer Abroad experience?
My main goals for my Summer Abroad experience are to become more comfortable with trying new things and taking risks. Growing up in Ontario and attending university there, I haven't really had the opportunity to get away and envision what my life could look like elsewhere. While I'm not necessarily planning to move, I'm definitely more open to the idea of broadening my horizons and gaining the confidence to make major life decisions in the future. Another goal of mine is to meet new people. As a student in the Faculty of Arts and Science, I've sometimes found it challenging to form strong connections with my peers beyond academic study sessions or occasional small talk, especially outside of small classes and a few extracurriculars. In this program, you're with the same group of people for four weeks, sharing both the course and travel experiences. I think that creates a special opportunity to build meaningful friendships and get to know others on a deeper level.
What do you hope to learn or gain from this experience?
I hope to gain new perspectives from this experience. This is my first time visiting a different continent, and each day I find that the norms and customs I'm used to are being gently challenged. It's not a bad thing; in fact, it's incredibly enriching to witness the little details that make each person's life and culture so unique. While I have friends from diverse backgrounds and have been exposed to many global perspectives through media, experiencing these differences firsthand is something entirely different. It has genuinely shifted the way I see things. Some aspects I've really enjoyed, while others I've found more difficult to adjust to. That's exactly what makes this experience so meaningful. Without being here myself, I wouldn't have developed such nuanced thoughts, feelings, and reflections. And without even realizing it at times, some parts of my have already started to change.
What do you know about the culture of your destination? What resources have you used to learn about it?
I knew that the culture of my destination would be quite different from Canada, so I wanted to prepare a bit beforehand to understand what changes to expect and how to be respectful as a visitor. Some things are similar to Canada, just more strictly followed, like not speaking loudly on public transit, staying to the left when walking on sidewalks or using elevators, and being mindful of personal space. Other aspects are much more different from what I'm used to. For example, bowing as a form of greeting and the norms around how people dress stood out to me. To be honest, my main sources of information were TikTok and Google. I followed a few content creators who had traveled to my destination and came from backgrounds similar to mine, so their insights felt especially relevant. Through them, I learned about basic etiquette and the kinds of behaviour that are expected in everyday situations.
How will you prioritize your physical and mental well-being during your trip?
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the program, but prioritizing my well-being is essential. Taking care of myself actually helps me make the most of the experience. I make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep, stay hydrated, and keep up with my academic responsibilities so I can fully enjoy my free time without added stress. I'm definitely not pulling all-nighters. There's no need to. I usually skip breakfast back home, but while abroad I've made an effort to change that. I now start my day with a proper meal to make sure I'm taking care of my body and ready for whatever the day brings. These small habits help me feel balanced, energized, and more present throughout the trip.
What kind of challenges do you anticipate facing, and how do you think you'll handle them?
One of the main challenges I knew I would face was the language barrier. As a visitor, I made an effort to learn basic phrases like "thank you" and "excuse me". I can't hold a full conversation in Japanese, but I do know how to show respect and be polite with what I've learned. I also use Google Translate on my phone to help with menus and signs when English alternatives aren't available. Another challenge I anticipated was adjusting to the small differences in customs. For example, bowing is very common here. It's not difficult, but it did take me a few days to get used to. At first, it felt a bit unfamiliar because it was something I had never done before. Still, I knew it was part of everyday life here, so I made the effort to set aside my own habits and adapt to what's considered respectful and appropriate. The program has been really supportive and I truly feel immersed in the culture. Even with the challenges, I feel like I'm getting the experience I hoped for.
What are you most looking forward to about your Summer Abroad trip?
I'm most looking forward to exploring the places I've always dreamed about and especially getting to do that alongside my peers, who I now consider friends. What makes his experience so special is that you're never truly alone. While you may be away from your parents and stepping into more independence as an adult, you're also surrounded by like-minded people who chose to be part of this program just like you did. It's been really meaningful to share this journey with others. We attend class together, explore the city, study, and travel. It creates a strong sense of community, and I'm excited to keep building those connections while discovering new places.
What advice would you give to another student preparing for a similar experience?
My advice would be to make a list of places you definitely want to see, but also leave room for spontaneous exploring. Don't try to do everything in the first week! Pace yourself, take care of your well-being, and make time to connect with the people around you. If you were planning to do a solo trip, consider inviting a peer. Sharing the experience can make it even more memorable. Another important tip is to budget carefully. Make sure you account for all your expenses, including food, attractions, transportation, and anything extra you might want to do. If you know someone who has been to the same destination, reach out to them. They might have great recommendations or know of hidden gems you wouldn't have found o your own. Most of all, immerse yourself in the experience. You're going to be living there for a little while, so make the most of it. Meet new people, try new foods, step out of your comfort zone (safely), and enjoy every moment.