Hello, my name is Sayo Watanabe, and I am from Japan. I have longed to study abroad in the United States since I was in junior high school. So, now I am glad that I have experienced a lot while studying at GCC. There are many great things that can happen to you as a result of studying abroad, the following are just a few things that I have experienced!

1. Become More Independent

I was dependent on my parents and friends for support while I was living in Japan. At first It was difficult for me to be on my own because it was hard for me to clarify my thinking and consider my own opinion. I did encounter situations that needed to be remedied while at GCC, but I tried to solve these problems by myself. Now, I have become an active person and I can act on my own feelings better than before.

2. Broaden Your Horizons

When I lived in College Village, my roommates were American, Korean, and Vietnamese. I experienced various cultural differences at that time. I may not have been able to experience that kind of diversity in Japan. Now I know foreign cultures, and have learned to accept individual cultures. This was a wonderful experience for me.

3. Meeting People

I’m lucky to have had a lot of fantastic professors, roommates, classmates, and friends. I am shy, and I am not great at having conversations with people. But, I was able to gain confidence and began talking to more people than before, because the people who I have met at GCC have all been friendly.

I have had a  variety of experiences while studying at GCC. I have learned the importance of cultural differences, self-improvement, and connecting to people. I believe that these experiences have led to the growth of confidence with myself, and it’s all because of my decision to study abroad at GCC.

This blog was contributed by GCC Student Sayo Watanabe.