A Year Abroad - Part 1

Hey there, friends! Today I want to share with you about my first solo journey overseas. It all began in April 2019 when I was finishing up my university studies and craving some adventure. As an outdoor enthusiast, I reached out to my uncle who has friends all over the world and luckily, I managed to land a job as a white water rafting trainee guide in Hokkaido, Japan.

Before I even arrived, drama ensued when I realized I had messed up the time difference, causing a bit of a panic for the people picking me up. When I finally arrived, I was greeted by my housemates Joe from the UK, Mitch from NZ, and a mix of Japanese and Nepalese guides. My quaint Japanese-style accommodation located just a stone's throw away from work.

The first few days were a whirlwind of learning and adjusting. I was given second-hand gear, including a not-so-dry suit, and met a mix of Japanese customers, young and old. It was exhilarating to be out on the water, but my brain was bulging with the overload of information. Between learning the art of rafting and picking up a new language, I was experiencing culture shock physically, but I loved the challenge.

As the days went on, I started to build a stronger technical and linguistic foundation, inspiring me to push myself further. I even bought some new gear, including a Shred Ready helmet, Stohlquist PFD, throw bag, and diving knife. It was a great feeling to have my own gear and create new memories with everyone there.

As the Japanese summer went on and I gained experience as an independent guide, things started to quiet down. The focus shifted from guiding to planting veggies and maintaining the grounds. I learned about farming practices like churning up the dirt and spacing the plants, which inspired me to take these practices back home to create a self-sustaining environment.

In the midst of all this, I had the chance to explore Sapporo, the big apple of Hokkaido. The city was quieter than I expected, but I discovered a fantastic store called 2nd Street that had designer brands of everything from clothes to cameras to white appliances. I was there for the outdoor gear, and they had plenty of it from Burton and Patagonia.

The highlight of my time in Japan was trying the bridge swing that our company rigged up off a 20-meter bridge about half an hour's drive from base. I remember one time on a beautiful sunny day, I was paddling in the water near the shady riverbank, collecting swinging customers and returning them to land. After the customers had finished I was offered to experience the swing for myself. Excitedly I jumped into a harness with a hype crew of Japanese and Nepalese guides. Standing on the railing I took a leap outwards, falling, falling...twang! The rope tightened with an "oomph!" followed shortly by a "wooo!" as I sucked in a gasp of air. I'm pretty sure it wasn't healthy for my back, judging by the pain I had for the next few days, but it was totally worth it.

Looking back, my time in Japan was an incredible experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I'll always cherish the memories I made and the lessons I learned. Who knows where my next adventure will take me?

A part from having bucket loads of fun, this experience taught me a few useful things. To take responsibility for my actions and communication, to be proactive in seeking clarification, and to approach conflicts with an open mind and a willingness to compromise.

Here are 3 takeaways for those of you thinking of working abroad:

1. Be aware of the limitations of virtual communication: Virtual communication has become more common due to the pandemic, but it's important to recognise its limitations. Misunderstandings can occur, and it can be harder to build relationships and establish trust virtually. It's important to be clear and concise in your communication and take the time to establish personal connections when possible.

2. Don't be afraid to ask for help: When faced with a difficult situation, don't be afraid to ask for help. Seeking input from others can provide a different perspective and new solutions. It can also help to alleviate some of the stress and pressure of the situation.

3. Practice self-care: It's easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of yourself, but it's essential for your well-being. Taking breaks, going for walks, and engaging in activities that you enjoy can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Remember, you can't take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself first.