Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Japan's Incredible Experiences Past Review

By (Asian Studies/Civilization., University of New Mexico) - abroad from 08/24/2011 to 07/23/2012 with

Akita International University: Akita - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Japanese, which was my goal. I gained a lot of knowledge and wonderful friends. It was better than I could ever imagine and I would love to go back as soon as I can.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational experience was intensive but I learned more than I would have learned from my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved everyone I was in contact with at my host university. They were very helpful when I needed to talk to them about anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My dorm was wonderful and having two roommate, one from China the other from Japan, was a wonderful learning experience.

* Food:

Cafeteria food was okay but I like cooking my own or going out to restaurants, which were fabulous.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was incredibly kind and thoughtful for any concerns I had and I enjoyed hanging out with everyone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never used the health care but it was readily available at the university.

* Safety:

I never felt safer at a university.

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)

I lived pretty easily. I would pay about $20 on food per week. Then about $60 for the overall charge for electricity and water bill toward my room.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can. You will want to travel a lot so when you first get to the place of your choice save your money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I was surrounded by people who spoke the language so I was always encourage to speak it .

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 302 Japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use whatever you know straight away. Local people feel honored no matter how much you use and are always willing to give out advice. SO use it constantly.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The People (Friends and Host Family)
  • The Classes
  • The Cultural Experience
* What could be improved?
  • More Busses
  • Letting the Exchange be Longer
  • Was an isolated university so a little more stores
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to get a cell phone. How to get money from my US Bank. What stores were close to the university.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.