I spent my third year of high school in Orlando. Florida, on a study abroad program. I was excited when I first arrived. Later though, I became stressed because so much was new and unfamiliar. The food was different and I didn't have any friends. I couldn't keep up with conversations in English. Also, I needed to learn to speak up more. One day at a party the host offered me something to drink. I said, "No," event though I was thirsty. I thought he would insist, but he didn't. This taught me to say what I want. There were a lot of differences in communication like that.
After a month, I was really depressed. To try to get over culture shock, I decided to get to know my homestay famly better and make at least one friend in school. Eventually, my English improved and I made several good friends. When I came back to japan, I stood out because I had picked up certain habits from Americans, for example, how I dressed.
I'm glad I went to Florida because I learned that I could be flexible and adapt. If you go abroad, just remember that sometimes you might feel down, but things get easier as time goes by.