Pre-Departure, Pre-Planning, and Preconceptions: Navigating the Before

The other night, I had a dream about arriving at Narita International Airport. It was as if my brain was trying to plan ahead and decipher the journey to come, from how to go through customs to what my housing would look like.

Was it inaccurate in every way possible? Without a doubt, but it got me thinking more about the different emotional stages of studying abroad and how to ease yourself from one to the next. 

If you’re new to living abroad, I’m right there with you. Thinking about all the unknowns you can encounter is frightening, but everything in life starts out as an unknown. Everything you enjoy right now was once something strange and unfamiliar.

I’m the type of person who likes to plan for everything. I like knowing how my days will look, even if it’s a day I’ve had several times before. Studying abroad brings about a whole array of exciting unknowns that I can’t imagine. 

I’m beyond grateful and excited for Tokyo. Wherever you’re headed, you’re allowed to feel a complex bundle of emotions at once. Less than a week until I set off for Tokyo and somehow, it doesn’t quite feel real yet. 

I know I’m going. I’ve assembled most of the things I need for the trip and planned what will be checked and what will be carried on, and I’ve been marking off boxes as the trip gets closer and closer. Even so, as I’m sitting at home writing this, I’m speaking about studying in Japan as if it’s some far-off event. Months ago, it was. 

But now it’s almost here. 

So what helps with these conflicting feelings? There’s no set formula, but for me, I like to feel prepared and make plans. Here’s some things that helped me navigate the few short weeks before take-off:

1. Research potential day-trips or experiences near your housing! Write down places you want to see; it gives you specific things to look forward to and maybe even a way to connect with other traveling students.
2. Double check what you need to pack. Make sure to leave room for things you’ll want to bring back! For me, a backpack, a small carry-on suitcase, and a larger checked suitcase felt best. Also, if you have any product preferences, it’s best to make sure you’re stocked because you may not be able to find them abroad.
3. Check the weather. I added Tokyo to my weather app to see what kind of clothes I should pack. Does your destination get rainy? Cold? Hot? Will you be doing a ton of walking? Outfit planning is practical but can also be fun.
4. Brush up on your language if you’re studying one. Depending on your program, there will be different language requirements, but for the Tokyo summer program, you’ll be tested and placed into a class depending on your proficiency. It doesn’t hurt to practice and study a little before arriving!
5. Figure out what you’ll do on the plane. I know this seems like overdoing it. But some flights are quite long and can feel longer if you’re nervous. My flight to Tokyo is 14 hours, and that’s not including the first flight where I’m laying over. I went out to buy a book or two and started downloading shows I haven’t had time to catch up on during school. 

Overall, there are a ton of things you can do to prepare for traveling abroad, and it’s as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. Through every step of the process, know that you’re not alone and out there is another student mulling over the same things you are. When your journey is right around the corner, the unknowns can feel like they’re piling up at their highest. But it also means you’re one step closer to surmounting them and having an array of new experiences. 

Whether you’re going to Tokyo or elsewhere, happy travels. You’ve got this!