I regret staying with a Japanese host family | storytime: Exchange year in Japan

In this video I share my experience living with a Japanese host family for a year. My exchange year in Japan was one of the most transforming years of my life. I overcame so many challenges, but it wasn't always easy. At times it was soul crushing even. One of my biggest struggles was the constant loneliness I felt, despite living with a Japanese family for a whole year.
For the longest time I was in disbelief and denial. An exchange year is supposed to be the best time of your life, right? So why was a big part of my exchange suffering and struggle? It took me years to recover from the damage I had received, but I am now at a point where I am ready and willing to share my story. The not so pretty part of my time in Japan, my regrets of living with a Japanese host family.

00:00 exchange year in Japan
01:17 me and my Japanese host family
02:35 first few days in Japan & no friends
04:02 first mental breakdown & things get better
05:45 ignored by my host family
07:39 extreme loneliness & discomfort (Christmas break)
09:13 weird conversation with host mother
10:58 my reason to go to Japan
11:20 feeling judged & being insecure
11:58 realization, finding myself & freedom
12:51 inappropriate convo with host mother about love life
15:31 different values & being superficial (materialistic af)
18:02 being done with Japan
18:54 did I enjoy my stay in Japan?
19:27 reflecting on homestay experience
20:03 3 years later...