Holiday Availability: All IES Abroad offices will be closed on Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31, and Jan 1 as we take some time to celebrate. During the weeks of 12/22 and 12/29, our team will be smaller, so responses may take longer than usual. Thanks for your understanding—and happy holidays!
The date was June 10, 2017. The sky over Tokyo was a vibrant blue, with hardly any clouds in the sky. And somewhere in Shibuya ward, there was a college student on a mission, darting towards the nearest Lawson convenience store.
It has been 34 days since I returned home from my other home and I still cannot fathom that abroad is over. Honestly, ask any of my friends, family, or coworkers, most of my sentences begin with, "When I was in New Zealand..." Okay, you cannot blame me for non stop talking about New Zealand; I lived another life for 5 1/2 months, let me gloat about it!
I have been back in the United States for five days now, which really isn't that long, but being in Barcelona already seems like it was so long ago. It has been slightly difficult transitiong back to my normal life because of the extremes I just experienced. In Barcelona I was doing amazing things, learning about other cultures and seeing new things, all day long for the four weeks I was there. Now I am at home and feel a little bit lost since there isn't as much do to.
Although there was always so much to explore in Tokyo, there is so much more in Japan to see. That is why one of the most memorable experiences studying abroad in Japan was the IES Abroad-sponsored trip to Okinawa Prefecture. A distant island between the Japanese mainland and Taiwan, Okinawa has a rich history, distinct culture, and beautiful scenery. In Tokyo people are always busy, and there is always a train to catch. But there are no trains to catch in Okinawa: everyone drives or takes the bus instead.
It’s pretty mind-blowing how quickly time whizzes by when you're abroad. Every once and a while I have to consciously remind myself to stop and reflect on the irreplaceable experiences I am gathering. Of course being away for a few months with no comfort of any familiar faces, homesickness may pop up out of nowhere. But whenever a hint of homesickness kicks in, I just remind myself how absolutely incredible it is that I am here, and how lucky I am to be able to take advantage of this opportunity. Not to mention it is already
