Hi all,
I am deciding between if I should go to Japan for an entire year or head to Sri Lanka for one semester and Japan for the other semester.
I feel that staying in Japan for a year would give me much better immersion and deeper experience. However, I really want to experience South Asian culture and my school does not offer much courses or resources on that.
I talked to an alum about Sri Lanka and she expressed worries about racial tensions and sexual harassments. I am not sure if the academic experience is worth the physical safety concerns and discomforts.
Any thoughts?
I haven’t studied abroad before, but as a frequent traveler and someone who has participated in international student exchanges, I would say to choose Japan for an entire year.
You are right; staying in Japan for a year would definitely give you more immersion and experience, especially if you are hoping to pick up a new language. With a whole year, you get to form (hopefully!) life-long friendships and really focus on one culture.
I haven’t been to Sri Lanka, but I expect that racial/sexual issues depend on what part of the country you go to. I’ve heard that it is rather safe for the most part. Do keep in mind that Sri Lanka is considered a third world nation and might not have some of the luxuries we’re used to having here in the U.S.
However, it’s ultimately up to you. Do you get restless and want to see new sights easily? Do you feel more comfortable with Japanese or Sri Lankan culture? Will the Japanese or Sri Lankan program provide a better experience for your field of study?
Whichever you choose, they’re bound to be an awesome experience. Best wishes! 
As someone who has travelled all over the world and now has a child in college, I say go for two countries. There will be safety concerns in every country you visit, even Japan. Its fine to be concerned about the issues you mention, but not at the expense of seeing the world. Staying somewhere longer does not increase your chances of bad things happening. Forewarned is forearmed. Use your common sense and keep your wits about you, and you will be fine.
Regarding lifelong friendships, I do have lifelong friendships form living abroad, but that was because I married and had children in my adopted country. I have one facebook friend from my time as a student studying abroad, so I don’t think the possibility of a facebook freind down the road makes up for missing out on studying in Sri Lanka. In your shoes, I would absolutely not pass up the opportunity.
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@neverforgetnow thank you for your advice! will consider
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@Lindagaf very helpful comments, def will keep in mind
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Would it be possible to study abroad a year in one location and then a semester in another…it seems too much but i have some serious wanderlust…haha
@chnclaire I wish I could! But, if I want to graduate on time, not an option 