Before attending the study abroad program in London, I tried not to have many expectations because the wrong type of stereotypes can dampen the unique experience I can gain. Each participant has the right to judge and feel differently from others, but I wanted to experience it without any assumptions. Since I came to London, I hit a pause in my life in the US, being a student-athlete, going to all business classes, or hanging out with my favorite peers. While I can still be in touch with my families and friends from the US via social media, it is required to set myself apart from usual routines if I really want to experience the new adventure. Surprisingly, once I started doing this, I like London even more and enjoy time with new friends. From spending free time on exploring the city by walking around to eating food from the local market, I am trying to get the most out this experience. Therefore, one of the takeaways from the first part of the study abroad is to have a fresh perspective. In fact, I am adapting myself to the new culture and rules of this country very quickly. I would recommend this tip to anyone who will study abroad or work abroad because it is essential to adapt to the different lifestyle and embrace the privilege of living in other countries.

Another thing I will take away from the study abroad is to not be afraid of getting out of comfort zone. It is normal to feel uncomfortable living in a new environment with people I just met. I was very nervous about making friends and fitting myself into the internship site. However, it got easier when I try to be myself. The English accent is another unique part of being in the UK. I sometimes struggle to understand the different accents. For example, when I answer phone calls at my internship sites, their clients are calling from all over the UK. Even after a few weeks, I often ask them to repeat for me. But again, this challenge is part of the learning process and adaptation. I realized that asking for help can be uncomfortable but it is nothing to my colleagues is nothing to be ashamed of.

Finally, a new found in independence is the third takeaway for me because, during the time in London, all actions taken are my responsibility. I am learning about myself every day and becoming independent. Although my family is in Japan and I don’t live with them in the US, living in London challenges me to manage my finance with a different currency, navigating myself to various places, and so forth. Now, I can say that the feeling I get when I was able to figure out something on my own is satisfying and liberating.