Hello! This is Hiyori, currently studying abroad in Minnesota, USA!
Minnesota has been experiencing considerably warmer days compared to last year, possibly due to the effects of global warming. However, recently, snow has started falling again, and we're back to shivering in the cold.

So, it's been about six months since I kicked off this study abroad gig, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster. This time, I'd like to reflect on these six months, talking about the obstacles I faced and how I overcame them. I hope this blog will resonate with those who have studied abroad or are currently studying abroad.

1. When tasks take way longer than expected

In American universities, loads of assignments come with the territory. They're not just about prepping or reviewing for class; they often heavily influence class progress, so you can't really half-ass them. But trying to nail everything down perfectly? Trust me, it's a never-ending story. So, you gotta figure out where to focus your energy.

Now, here's where I struggled. I'd get caught up in one thing, start Googling and reading a bunch of articles, and before I knew it, nothing was getting done. So, here are the three tricks I found to tackle this issue while juggling various assignments:

1. Get clear on your goals

2. Leverage the power of civilization (basically, technology)

3. Set deadlines

Let's take reading assignments as an example. Instead of diving straight into the text, try to predict what your professor wants you to understand. Maybe start with the abstract or conclusion to grasp the main points. To cut down on reading time, you gotta narrow down the info you need. And for those parts you just can't wrap your head around, don't hesitate to lean on tools like DeepL or ChatGPT for some help.

Oh, and setting deadlines? Crucial. Sure, it's rare to finish everything within the time frame you set, but it stops you from pouring all your time into assignments and leaves some mental breathing room.

2. When English feels like my nemesis

Living in the States, you quickly realize there's a ton of words and expressions you don't know, and it can be super discouraging. You know, you're like, "I've studied so much... what gives?" It used to be that not knowing something meant a cool new discovery, making English learning fun. But now, it's more like not knowing equals stress and anxiety, making studying English a chore.

So, when I hit those lows, here's how I boost my motivation for English:

1. Watch YouTube videos in English that I can understand
2. Chat with people I'm comfortable with

I've tried squeezing in some TedTalks or news on YouTube, thinking I should study English, but I'd end up watching some random funny videos instead. Watching challenging content in English gets my brain working overtime, leaving me exhausted. I realized I don't have to push myself so hard; watching fun videos that I can understand without stressing out is okay and keeps me interested.

Plus, having relaxed conversations with people I'm comfortable with lets me speak English without fear of messing up. When I freeze up talking to new people or during class discussions, it gets me down. But having a casual chat with friends reassures me that "Hey, I can actually do this," boosting my confidence and motivation for the next challenge.

3. When various anxieties creep in

Do I seem to be the only one plagued by vague anxieties while studying abroad? Thinking about grades, job prospects, and the future can sometimes get me down, and occasionally, I even find myself wishing I could just attend classes in Japanese! When these inevitable worries hit, and I can't seem to pinpoint their cause or find a solution, I've found that taking the following actions helps ease my mind:

1. Don't dwell on things at night
2. Keep busy
3. Find ways to distract myself

For some reason, I tend to feel more negative at night. So, I try to ignore those anxious feelings until morning when I can think about things more lightly.

Also, keeping myself busy to the point where I don't have time to dwell on my worries can be helpful. Acting like a career woman and just getting through tasks without spending too much time fretting over them not only saves time but also helps me feel productive.

On the flip side, it's crucial to make time for activities that provide a mental break. Whether it's going shopping alone, visiting a friend away from school, or simply painting my nails, distracting myself with something engaging allows me to momentarily step away from my worries and reset my mindset.

Finally

Thank you so much for reading today's blog!

Over the past six months, I've realized once again that studying abroad isn't just about mastering English or gaining expertise in my field, but it's also about toughening up mentally. As I look ahead to graduating in a year and a half, I hope to become the strongest version of myself, equipped with a steel-strong mindset. I'm determined to keep putting in consistent effort every day.

Stay tuned for the next blog post!