Lars in Japan

What was your main motivation to go abroad?

During my time there, I wanted to find out whether I could genuinely see myself living and working in Japan in the future. As a tourist, I couldn't answer that question. I needed to experience everyday life, gain new insights and see the country from a completely different perspective.

What were your biggest concerns?

Returning from Japan without having formed any meaningful personal connections would have been my greatest disappointment. I knew that people in Japan are often reserved and I am not naturally the most outgoing person myself. However, that challenge became a powerful source of motivation. I learnt some Japanese to help bridge the language barrier and made a conscious effort to approach people. The conversations that followed – a mixture of Japanese and English – were genuinely heartwarming and led to some truly memorable encounters.

Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?

I can recommend studying abroad 110%! Your time is packed with new experiences because you're surrounded by a different environment, new people and unfamiliar tasks and challenges. Of course, it all comes down to your motivation. What are your goals? Can they only be achieved in a particular country? If you have a clear sense of purpose, every obstacle becomes manageable. Once you're there, you simply live in the moment while working towards those goals. In just a few months, I grew far beyond the person I used to be and I can genuinely feel that the experience has changed the course of my future.

What did you take away from your time abroad?

For me, it was the seemingly ordinary everyday moments that I will carry with me the most. Spontaneous meet-ups with familiar and new faces in places I had never been before – whether at a soba shop or during a short trip to a local sight. I also started keeping a journal, something I would strongly encourage everyone to do. Each day is made special by countless small details that I would otherwise forget far too quickly. By actively writing them down, I became aware of just how beautiful and unique every single day truly is.

Were your expectations met?

Absolutely, I now have a far deeper understanding of Japan and its people than I could ever have gained while living in Germany. It was an experience that felt immersive, varied, yet still coherent in its underlying thread – combining personal growth with new career opportunities.

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?

The relationships I formed with people were what shaped my semester abroad the most. I learned that some connections can fade over time and that people in an exchange programme often pursue very different goals. During such an intense period, the social environment becomes extremely important, even though it is also valuable to spend a lot of time on your own. The circle I built for myself created many deeply positive memories that I will carry with me.

More impressions and information about Lars' experience abroad can be found on Instagram (opens in a new window).