Evaluate a significant experience, accomplishment, risk that you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

Consider the words "life in another country." Although I had thought about it with stars in my eyes, and had previously spent time in Japan, it wasn't until living in Obihiro, Japan on the AFS Japan year program that I finally realized the true meaning of those words. During my two-month program in Osaka last year, I studied Japanese and lived with a host family, however it did not have the cultural immersion I was hoping for. In contrast, this year-long program is not supplemented with field trips to popular tourist destinations. It is living in another country, with no sugarcoating and no cultural bumpers: I study at a city-run public high school as a foreign exchange student. Through this experience I have come to understand more about the Japanese language, myself, and what it means to live in another country.

Before I left for this program I saw the Japanese language as only a supplement to my own knowledge, but now I hold it as dear as my mother tongue of English. Although I had studied French, German, and Latin in school, I was never able to efficiently communicate in them. However, I can now go through my day not speaking any English. Since I was placed in a predominantly Japanese-speaking family, I was forced to acquire the language. As a result, I can safely rely on Japanese rather than English in conversation. I now converse regularly with my host family and other Japanese people whom I have befriended. Learning Japanese has opened up a new way to express myself. Often only saying an adjective can impart as much meaning as a sentence in English. It is a fun and interesting way to form one's thoughts.

Through this experience I have learned that people all over the world go through their lives thinking in words and concepts completely different than the ones I grew up with. These thoughts, although different in form, have just as much meaning and value regardless of what language they are in. Words in other languages are not just sounds to be translated. They are sopped with meaning and demand appreciation and love if they are to be truly understood.

I have come to know the grind of the daily life of a Japanese high school student. I commute for two and a half hours a day. As much as possible, I have been integrated into school life. I wear the same uniform. I study the same texts. I do the same science experiments. Between studies, mandatory after-school activities, and the long commute, it can be exhausting. The level of stress and pace at which I function has increased. Although it is not always perfect, I have found this lifestyle to be exciting and fruitful.

I have also found new ways to enjoy myself in my leisure time. I take traditional dance classes, and I have joined my school's tea ceremony club. I've also made friends, which forced me out of my former wallflower personality and into conversation. This also helped me to conquer my nervousness in speaking Japanese. I still make mistakes, but I laugh them off and learn from them. Sometimes putting myself on the line leads to getting hurt, but the reward from making the first move is more than worth the risk. For example, it was not until I approached my classmates that I made friends. When I started opening myself up to them, they felt more at ease. From that point, we were able to find common threads and be friendly with each other. If I had not taken the first step, then the gap between us would not have been bridged.

Life in another country means more than just relocating. Once you arrive, the social and cultural restrictions of your birthplace no longer apply. Life suddenly has new rules, taboos, and roles to go by. Because of this unfamiliar environment, you are stripped down to your personal foundation. You are no longer within the boundaries of the environment you grew up in, and part of your personality is able to be changed. From this exposed foundation, you have the ability to rebuild yourself into the person you have always wanted to become, because the social and cultural inhibitions that held you back are no longer present. For example, I would be hesitant about wearing clothing that I feared would cause negative reactions in other people, such as a skirt. People were used to a certain me, and they were uncomfortable when I tried to change that image. However, since no one knew my usual fashion choices here in Japan, I could wear whatever I wanted without worrying about what other people expected from me. Not only does this freedom apply to my outer self, but my inner self as well. I was able to take up new hobbies, ideologies, etc., without the burden of my previous social and cultural guidelines and limits. However, the new rules are not disregarded. Learning and keeping to the new rules is part of the challenge.

I still have four months on the AFS program, and I am looking forward to every moment of “life in another country.” Every day, I learn something new, be it something about myself or a new word. After the end of this year, the me who returns to America will be a much more confident and self-aware than the me who left. I am able to communicate in another language. I have a new appreciation for human thought, productivity, leisure, and friendship. I have identified and conquered several of my weaknesses, and have adapted to another way of life. With this growth and experience with me, I will be ready to take on the next new environment. I will be well equipped to handle the rigors of university and the working world. “Life in another country” is an opportunity I plan on taking advantage of to the fullest, so that when I return home, I can bring with me as much from this experience as possible.