It’s been almost three weeks since I touched down in Japan. I arrived in Japan on Aug. 21, and since then I’ve been immersed in a whirlwind of new experiences. I am attending Kansai Gaidai University and staying at their Gotenyama Campus Global Town. 

This school is located in the city of Hirakata in the Osaka prefecture. When I first arrived here, I was both incredibly excited and immensely nervous. 

I knew there would be many opportunities for me in Japan, and I have been able to try new experiences, food and go shopping for things not traditionally found in the U.S.

On top of taking advantage of these opportunities, I need to balance 14 credits at the university and take a language class. 

I had very limited experience with Japanese. How would I be able to communicate with locals when out on the town? Would I even be able to talk to other students well enough to make friends?

As it turned out, making friends on campus came quite naturally. Most students who study abroad in Japan already studied English and are here to learn Japanese. 

Most of the students I met had already studied English, many of them are soon to be heading abroad and are currently preparing for it. Often, I felt like the odd one out, knowing only one language and being inexperienced with Japanese. 

While communication has been relatively easy on campus, the same cannot be said for traveling outside of the university. My lack of Japanese skills did cause issues when I tried to communicate with store clerks or ask where things were when I was shopping. 

My best friend Mia and I have been thoroughly confused when Japanese clerks have tried to ask us questions or give directions. Navigating Japan can also be difficult without extensive research beforehand. 

For example, I have learned that Google Maps is not always reliable when trying to get from point A to point B. Yes, it will get you there, but it may take you on a convoluted path. 

I used Google Maps when trying to navigate from the Gotenyama campus to the Nakamiya campus for the first time. I was led alone through residential neighborhoods and down unused alleyways only to make it to class a few minutes quicker than students who followed the main road. 

Afterward, I discovered during orientation that many students have used this path to go to school in the past. The campus received many complaints from citizens living in the area about students using this path and now advises against it.

My advice is to observe those around you when trying to navigate new paths or scenarios. Sometimes the road most traveled is the best solution. 

However, it is also important to be open to taking risks and exploring as long as you don’t disturb others around you or put yourself in unsafe situations. 

When I navigated through Japan’s train stations for the first time, I felt lost and confused. I had a friend with me who had navigated the stations before, but regardless we struggled to find our platforms. 

A lot of the train stations I went to had their destinations listed in both Japanese and English even if the station itself was a maze. 

In one scenario, my friend and I once found ourselves completely baffled as to which platform we should be on. Jokingly, we stepped onto a train to see if it was the right one, and the doors shut before we could step off. 

It turned out to be the correct train and we were able to get back to campus at a reasonable time.  

I worry that I’ll be seen as the stereotypical dumb American when I make mistakes. However, it’s important to recognize that mistakes are inevitable when traveling to another country. 

As long as you are respectful and kind to locals, any mistakes will not be perceived maliciously. 

Liz Curtin can be reached at [email protected].