How to Overcome Your Fear of Studying Abroad | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan
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How to Overcome Your Fear of Studying Abroad

By Devy Jul 12, 2021

Studying abroad and living in a completely new environment may sound horrifying for some people. This can be especially true if the country has its own language very different from your mother tongue. The idea of spending all day by yourself without having any family is definitely a picture that some people might try to avoid. 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Studying Abroad

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Although it might sound terrifying, studying abroad remains a dream of many people and continues to be something that most people crave to encounter.

Have You Ever Dreamed of Studying Abroad? 

Trying to live in a new place is definitely onerous. Specifically, being in an environment that has a strong culture and distinctive structure. For instance, Japan! 

Japan is widely known for its unique culture, so it’s no surprise they have their own way of life. Accordingly, it may frighten some people who desire to study abroad in Japan, considering any cultural difficulties they may encounter. 

However, don’t worry! We are here to help you overcome your fear of studying abroad and get you prepared to match the Japanese living standards. 

1. Worried About Living Alone? Have Some Friends to Back You Up!

While studying abroad, the first thing you should keep in mind is that you should have a reliable friend that will always be there whenever you need them. In other words, those who are easily accessible and ready to be contacted at any time.

Preferably, it is smarter to have a companion from the same country as yours, under the same mother tongue. The goal is to make sure that if any problem occurs, you will have the convenience of solving it with friends who have a similar cultural background. They can be there to offer support and a helpful hand when needed, and vice versa.

Besides, don’t you have to give your parents peace of mind by making sure their children are looking after one and another? 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Studying Abroad

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2. Afraid of Not Having Friends? Make More New Friends!

If you are going to be in an international environment, while maintaining close relations with people who come from the same country, you should try to open yourself up to make friends with people who come from other countries! 

Some people may feel scared or shy when starting a conversation with new crowds, but this is a step that you must take! It would be best for you to be the one who says “hi” for the first time, do some contact exchange, and keep in touch with them. This will train your social skills and encourage you to build more and more connections.

They can also be relied on during your hard times, and the most important part is that you will be able to have a wide international connection in the future too! 

Once you dare yourself to try and form a friendship, you may have the feeling of more-and-more which will make it easier for you in the future.

3. Language Barrier? Get Some Local Friends!

One of the biggest fears about the idea of studying abroad, markedly in Japan, is the fear of not being able to communicate in Japanese. 

So, the simplest key is to get some local friends! Try to participate in local social clubs, events, or communities. 

Absolutely, this will help you to understand the environment surrounding you because locals will be pleased to guide you whilst introducing their Japanese culture to the international world. 

By this virtue, they surely will give you a hand if there is any cultural-related issue. They can help with language, Japan-specific rules and procedures, or they may take you to some places only locals know of. 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Studying Abroad

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4. Still Not Confident Enough With the Language? Go Take an Extra Course! 

For those of you who feel that having local friends to help your language skills is not enough, it never hurts to take a Japanese language course

This kind of help will definitely level up your communication abilities in a shorter time to help you prepare for Japanese social life. It would be best for you to learn it before you arrive in Japan so that you will have basic knowledge about daily conversations as a good start. 

But don’t worry, there are also some good places that offer Japanese language courses for foreigners in Japan. There are various choices from short-term classes to full-time Japanese language school courses in order to maximally ace the language. 

Nevertheless, basic daily Japanese and good English skills are already enough for you to survive in Japan! 

5. Concerned About Post-Graduation? Set Your Goal From the Start!

Another concern faced by every fresh graduate is the issue of what to do after graduation. Don’t be afraid: prepare yourself by drawing a clear pathway from the start towards your goal. 

Suppose you desire to take a further education course. Thus, you should start saving, do one or two-part time jobs, or begin some research on the potential school options. 

If you are planning to work in Japan, draw up an N2 certification to be able to work in Japanese companies. Equally important, get yourself ready to adapt to the typical Japanese working environment.

Notably, preparation after graduation takes quite a long time and needs a long way to be prepared. The best advice I can give is to not waste your time and always keep yourself on track. 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Studying Abroad

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Let’s Strengthen Your Goal of Studying Abroad!

Studying abroad will be a very interesting and exciting experience. As long as you don’t go off the wrong foot, you will surely have many pleasant experiences and create many enjoyable memories while studying abroad.

This is especially true in Japan, with its strong, unique, and interesting culture. You may sense a totally different vibe from other countries. 

So, get yourself ready for a new journey exploring and immersing yourself in the Japanese way of life!

Devy Mufliha,

Indonesia