Billy Barrow

I wanted to experience a different culture and push myself out of my comfort zone. Study abroad offered the perfect opportunity to do that, and I’m really glad I had the courage to take it.

You don’t realise how little you truly know until you experience things first-hand. I’ve learned so much, not just from other international students, but also from the Japanese students I study and travel with. As someone interested in shrines, being able to visit over 100 of them has been both incredible and deeply insightful.

I’ve picked up the Japanese language. When I arrived I knew nothing, but now I’ve been able to travel all over Japan using what I’ve learned. As someone more introverted who tends to stick to what I know, learning to socialise with people from different cultures and backgrounds has been a major achievement.

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to experience another country’s culture, education system, and lifestyle. You get the chance to live like a local without the pressure of finding a job or relocating permanently. It offers the benefits of living abroad without the stress.