Past Review
By Justine M (Linguistics., SUNY - Binghamton) for
Akita International University: Akita - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was amazing! I learned a lot about myself and the Japanese culture. My Japanese improved a lot as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Depending on the classes you take, you'll either never do anything or be buried in work. Chose wisely! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They're very willing to help you however they can. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Komachi Hall - Very small two bedroom dorm room with one bathroom shared with another room. Not bad, but not comfortable either. <br /><br /> While it in theory was a wonderful opportunity, the physical reality of the room made it so I never wanted to be in there. |
| * Food: |
The food simply isn't very good - it's not terrible, but there aren't many choices and often what is there doesn't taste the best. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Kabuki field trip was amazing, as were the full day excursions to local areas. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The one nurse on campus doesn't not speak English, so you need to find a Japanese student to help you no matter what. But the city is incredibly safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | You don't have to spend much at all, but for me it was about $30-$40 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | NA |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
AIU is really good for improving your Japanese - as long as you're willing to work for it. There aren't that many international students, and the Japanese students are really interested in communicating with you. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared for rural Japan - this is NOT Tokyo. If you're serious about learning, this is an excellent place for you. However no matter what your goal is, there are ways to have fun, but sometimes you have to look for it. It's a good program for those who want to experience traditional Japan. |
