School Life Abroad
You accidentally wore your pajamas to school.
Example Solution: Laugh it off, explain, and change clothes.
Weird food – you don’t know what it is.
Try a small bite or ask someone what it is.
You try to order coffee but end up with a giant dessert.
Solution: Enjoy it and learn correct way to order.
Your phone translation app gave you a very strange result.
Solution Example:
I would laugh, show my friend the funny translation, and then ask someone for the real meaning.
You can't find your classroom!
Example: Ask someone or check a map.
Your host family has a pet that is scared of you.
Example: Move slowly, speak softly, give pet time.
You get caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella.
Solution: Share, run to cover, or buy a new umbrella.
You went to a restaurant, and the waiter brought you something totally different and you don't like it.
Solution:
“Excuse me, I think there’s a small mistake. I actually ordered [the dish I wanted]."
You accidentally left your homework at your home!
Example: Email teacher and submit later.
Homesickness – you miss your favorite Japanese food
:(
Solution: Cook familiar meal or video call friends/family.
Your new friends speak too fast you can't understand them!
Solution: Ask them to slow down or repeat.
You met a new friend but forgot their name immediately.
Solution Example:
I would smile and ask them to write their name in my phone so I don’t forget again.
Your alarm didn't go off – you wake up 2 hours late!
Example: Set backup alarms or ask a roommate.
Lost luggage – all your clothes are gone!
Solution: Report, buy essentials, stay calm.
Difficult roommates/living situation – they stay up all night and it is too noisy.
Solution: Discuss compromise or adjust schedule.
You laughed at a joke you didn’t understand—and someone asked you to explain it.
Possibly solutions:
I would smile and say, “Actually, I didn’t understand, but it sounded funny!”
I would laugh again and say, “Oh no! I just laughed because everyone else did!”
Language barrier – you can’t understand your teacher!
Ask questions, use dictionary or translation app.
You bought too many souvenirs and your suitcase explodes.
Solution: Repack carefully, carry extra bags, or ship items home.
You have trouble making friends and feel lonely.
Solution: Join clubs, attend events, start small conversations.
You said goodbye to your teacher but walked the same way as them for five minutes.
Possible solutions: I would laugh and say, “Oops! We are going the same way!”
I would smile and talk a little more so it’s not awkward while we walk together.