Before going abroad, I quickly realized that preparation has to start well in advance, especially when it comes to organizational matters such as insurance, course selection, and housing. Studying abroad requires a significant amount of planning, and even more importantly, financial preparation. The experience can be very expensive, particularly in the United States, so I would strongly recommend either saving up beforehand or trying to secure an on-campus part-time job in order to fully make the most out of the semester without constantly worrying about money.
Class registration initially seemed straightforward, but I soon understood that it requires careful planning. It is essential to check in advance which courses will count toward graduation requirements, otherwise it is easy to accumulate irrelevant credits. At the same time, it is worth looking for classes that genuinely interest you, because studying abroad is also an opportunity to explore different academic perspectives. However, it is important to select courses as early as possible, as many popular courses fill up very fast. Finding housing was one of the most challenging parts of the preparation process. I used university housing portals and roommate-finder platforms, but aligning different financial situations, expectations, and lifestyle preferences proved difficult. This made me realize how important it is to start the housing search early and to communicate clearly with potential roommates from the very beginning.
When I was deciding where to study abroad, I knew that I wanted an experience that would feel completely different from both Japan and Europe. I wanted something that would challenge me culturally and socially, rather than just academically. Growing up in Europe, my image of American university life had been shaped by movies and TV shows that portrayed campuses as lively, social, and larger than life. That idea always fascinated me, and I wanted to see for myself whether that version of university actually existed. The exaggerated college lifestyle often shown in shows like Blue Mountain State seemed to capture that energy I was looking for, and in my mind, no place embodied it better than the University of Miami.
However, my decision was not only based on lifestyle or entertainment. I was also genuinely interested in experiencing the academic and political environment of the United States. As an international relations student, I believe that understanding how people in different countries think about politics is just as important as learning theories in textbooks. Studying in the U.S. offered me the chance to observe how political debates are framed, how students engage with current affairs, and how public opinion is shaped in practice. The timing made this even more meaningful, as I went during a presidential election cycle. This allowed me to witness political speeches, campaigns, and discussions firsthand rather than only following them through the media. In addition to the university itself, Miami as a city played a major role in my choice. Unlike many traditional American college towns, Miami offers a vibrant mix of cultures, an exciting nightlife, and beautiful natural surroundings. Its close connection to Latin America also made it feel more international and globally connected than many other U.S. cities. For me, choosing Miami meant not just choosing a university, but choosing an environment that combined academics, culture, and adventure in a way that felt truly unique.
When I first arrived in Miami, one of the most immediate and meaningful parts of my experience was the international community I became part of. Through my roommates and orientation events, I quickly met many other exchange students, and we formed close friendships almost instantly. We bonded over being in a new country together, navigating campus life, and sharing our different backgrounds. I made friends from Australia, South America, Asia, and Europe, and many of these connections have lasted beyond the semester. Together, we traveled extensively, visiting places like Key West, Puerto Rico, and various destinations across Florida.
Beyond the international circle, I also became deeply integrated into American student life. I participated in Rush Week and joined the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity, which opened the door to a completely new social environment. From organizing entire buses to bring the fraternity to clubs, to renting yachts to see the Miami coastline at night, I experienced a distinctive side of American campus culture that I had previously only seen in movies. I attended fraternity parties, tailgates, and University of Miami football games, met student athletes, and genuinely felt like part of the university’s social fabric. I also joined clubs such as the wakeboarding and volleyball clubs, went on Everglades tours, and even witnessed a SpaceX rocket launch.
At the same time, the semester was not only about social life. Academically, I gained valuable insights into how U.S. politics and history are taught and framed within the country, which was sometimes very different from how they are portrayed abroad. I became very aware of how U.S.-centered many perspectives were, which was eye-opening for me as an international student. I had the opportunity to learn from highly qualified professors, some of whom had previously worked in government or political institutions, and engage in deep discussions about contemporary politics. Hearing their viewpoints and exchanging ideas broadened my understanding far beyond what I could have gained from textbooks alone. What truly stood out to me was that the University of Miami felt like much more than just an academic institution; it felt like a brand and a community that extended across the entire city. UM was visible everywhere in Miami, hosting frequent events, giving out free food, and creating a strong sense of belonging among students. The campus facilities were also exceptional. I used the gym daily, spent time at the outdoor pool, relaxed in the sauna, and played on the basketball courts. Overall, my semester in Miami combined travel, friendship, culture, academics, and campus life in a way that made it one of the most unforgettable periods of my life.
To anyone considering studying abroad through FGS, my strongest advice is to embrace the experience fully rather than treating it as just another semester of university. Going abroad is not only about taking courses in a different country, but about immersing yourself in a new culture, meeting people from all over the world, and allowing yourself to grow beyond your comfort zone. You will inevitably face challenges, whether academic, financial, or social, but these moments are often what shape the experience most and make it truly meaningful.
I would encourage future students to prepare carefully, but also remain flexible and open-minded once they arrive. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and some of the best memories come from unexpected situations. It is important to take initiative, attend events, join clubs, and actively seek out new connections rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you. Studying abroad rewards those who are willing to engage rather than simply observe.
At the same time, I would remind students not to neglect the academic side of the experience. Being in a different educational system is a rare chance to see the world from another intellectual perspective, especially in a politically significant country like the United States. Use this time to ask questions, have debates, and learn not only from textbooks but from real people with diverse viewpoints.
Finally, I would tell every FGS student that studying abroad is one of the most valuable opportunities a university can offer. It builds independence, broadens your worldview, and creates friendships that often last far beyond graduation. If you are considering it, take the leap; you will not regret it.
