The Journey Leading up to and Arriving in Japan

Published on by Katie SandovalLeave a comment

Week 10 was one of the busiest weeks I’ve ever had as a junior at DU. With finals approaching, I had to finish assignments almost a week ahead, make time to study for exams, and prepare for my upcoming study abroad experience—all at once. It pushed me to my limits, but looking back, I’m both relieved it’s over and proud of myself for making it through.

Once I was done with my coursework, I jumped straight into packing. Since I’d be spending nearly five months at Doshisha University in Kyoto, I wanted to pack light. I brought a few sets of clothes, some winter gear (since the first week of March in Japan is still chilly), necessities, a few books, a power converter, chargers, medicine, power banks, and some snacks for the journey.

Then came the travel itself: nearly 15 hours in the air with three friends and a few other classmates. The first flight, from Denver to San Francisco, was fine. But next flight from San Francisco to Osaka was rough. I hadn’t slept well the night before, and about five hours in—halfway through the flight—I started feeling unwell. A headache, no appetite, just overall exhaustion, but I would distract myself from watching movies, talking with my friends, and trying to take a nap here and there.

Landing in Osaka also brought its own challenges. We had to go through customs, which was stressful. We had been given paperwork to fill out on the plane, but I didn’t realize that, at least in Japan that I know of, you can actually complete the customs forms online before your flight (wish I noticed that sooner as it would have taken a lot of stress off). On top of that, I had to ask if one of my over-the-counter medicines was okay to bring. Despite studying Japanese for almost three years, my speaking skills aren’t great, so communicating was not easy. Thankfully, the customs officers were patient and helped me through the process. In the end, my medicine was ok to bring, and from there it was just a matter of picking up our checked bags and finding our hotel.

A few people had decided to take a bus to Kyoto to stay at a hotel there. However, we decided to stay in hotel in the airport as we were exhausted from the fight. By the time we settled in, it had been about two days of nonstop travel and preparation. It was exhausting but being with friends, all of us helping each other out, made navigating everything a little easier. Now, I am looking forward to getting everything ready for the next 5 months of my life here in Japan.

Taking Care of Yourself in a Different Country

Published on by ashleybmuirheadLeave a comment

It’s easy to get swept up in the rush of things; when you’re traveling abroad, everything feels fresh and exhilarating. The sights, the sounds, the flavors—every moment presents an opportunity for discovery. Sure, it’s important to immerse yourself in new experiences, to say “yes” to adventure, and to embrace spontaneity. However, in the whirlwind of excitement, it’s just as easy to lose yourself in the chaos. Between the fast-paced itineraries, cultural differences, and the constant push to make the most of every second, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.

Last weekend, I decided to have a “me” day, and honestly, it was the best decision I could have made. I locked myself in my room, put on some of my favorite movies, ordered takeout, and just let myself unwind. No plans, no obligations—just me, doing whatever felt good in the moment. It was exactly what I needed to re-center and reconnect with myself.

I’ve realized that when I don’t carve out time for myself, I start to feel overwhelmed and anxious, like I’m constantly running on empty. And if you’re someone who thrives on social interaction or adventure, it can feel like you should always be out and about, especially when you’re in a new country. But here’s your reminder: It’s okay to stay in. It’s okay to take a step back, recharge, and just exist. Whether you’re traveling or at home, prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

So, from now on, I’ve made it a goal to dedicate at least one day a week to myself—to do whatever I want, completely on my own. No schedules, no obligations, just me choosing what makes me happy in the moment.

That following Tuesday, I put my plan into action. I hopped on the bus, put on some good music, and let the world fade into the background. I treated myself to a mango and papaya smoothie (which, by the way, was amazing), then made my way to the beach. There, I sat in the sun, listened to the waves, and let myself just be. I even spent some time collecting seashells, something I hadn’t done in ages but found incredibly peaceful.

It was a simple day, but it was exactly what I needed—a reminder that solitude isn’t lonely when you enjoy your own company. Taking time for yourself isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. And I’m excited to keep this promise to myself, week after week.