Coming to the end of her exchange in Japan, Layla, recipient of the AFS Whakamanaia Scholarship, learned that a successful exchange isn’t measured by a completed checklist, but by the depth of the connections left behind:
About two months ago, in November, I panicked. I was struggling to find new and unique things to do before I returned home. I would say to my friends and to my family “I don’t think I’ve done enough…” or “I shouldn’t have wasted my time…” But actually, as of currently, I don’t feel that way anymore.
In November I panicked because I didn’t do what you typically do when you arrive in Japan as a foreigner. I didn’t immediately go to Disneyland, I didn’t go to Universal Studios, nor did I get to go to Ōsaka and Kyoto at all during my exchange.
But what I failed to realise, at that point in time, was how much I accomplished:
I learnt a new language, I skipped a level and did the N4 Japanese Learning Proficiency Test, I navigated around cities independently and on my own, I went to five different prefectures, I built strong connections with others, and completed 19 of my 25 resolutions for 2025 in Japan.
But it wasn’t enough for me. I was constantly challenged and pushed to move, that I forgot all of the accomplishments I’ve achieved that laid the groundwork for me to reach even higher.
And that’s what I realised in December. In November I was scared of returning home and realising I did not achieve everything I could have achieved in Japan. But in December I realised that because I’ve achieved so much that It’s hard to find what else I can do before I return.
And that’s where I fall currently. Instead of trying to find more new experiences to do before I leave, I’m looking for how I can enjoy my last remaining days with those I’ve come to love: my host family, my Japanese friends, and my exchange friends. They’ve impacted my experience and the relationship I have with them has become invaluable to me. I hope to see them again, whether it be in New Zealand, Japan, or another part of the world, but I know this also might be the last time I see them. So instead of worrying about the time left I have to explore new areas, I’ve decided to spend the remaining time with these people.
Check out the scholarship opportunities at AFS here. If you go on an AFS exchange, you might leave with an unfinished tourist checklist, but we promise you’ll leave with a full heart!
Want to know more about going on an exchange with AFS to Japan? Click Here!