Studying Abroad

Wrapping up

By Kazuya Muto

It's been almost a year since I started this column. Over 11 months I've talked about a lot of things: about my studies, about my relationships with other people, and so on. I did my best to describe what my life was like in Sydney, an almost impossible task as every day was filled with something fascinating and new.

Each week it was difficult to focus on just one topic, and now it's even more difficult to choose one memory from Sydney that meant the most to me. Why do I need to even choose? Well, it's one of the most frequent questions people ask me: "What was your best memory of Sydney?"

Another question I often get is what I learned from my study abroad experience. We're not talking academics here, but other important lessons, and, although I'm no expert on studying abroad, I think I can answer this question better.

"You can't do it on your own" is one of the most important things I learned from going to Sydney. If you want to have a successful study abroad experience, you have to let people help you, and you have to appreciate how valuable this kindness and support can be. I was helped and encouraged by many people while I was there: my parents, my Japanese friends, my Sydney friends, my teachers; and I couldn't have got through it without them.

Another thing: You have to be prepared to feel insignificant, awkward and, above all, lonely, especially toward the beginning of your stay. But you can't let those get you down. You can't just use those as an excuse for holing yourself up in your room. Often something positive can come of them. The strength it takes to overcome these things can help you grow.

"Time flies" is also a valuable lesson learned. At first it may seem like it's never going to end, but it will be over before you know it. Time is limited so you shouldn't waste a day. That's not to say that you should study every day, but you should be doing something new and challenging. For that, I recommend keeping a diary or a blog.

Having said that, my diary wasn't exactly the most brilliant piece of writing in the world. It was a notebook where I jotted down some ideas for articles in the ST: what I'd seen, who I'd met, what I'd felt, etc. Writing for the ST was a great way of reflecting on my life in Sydney.

Last but not least, I'd like to end with what my teacher said before I went to Australia. "I think it's risky to go abroad with only a vague idea of what you want to do." I couldn't agree more. I think occasionally I lost my way, and I think I could have had a clearer purpose when I left Japan, but at least now I know how important having that clear purpose is.

So thanks to everyone, thanks to the readers whose comments spurred me on, thanks too to the editors for their support, and thanks to everyone who saw me through my time in Sydney. Hope to see you around, mate.

Shukan ST: MARCH 30, 2007

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