Learning how to accept cultural differences Past Review
By Brooke O (Japanese Language and Literature., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Akita International University: Akita - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This study abroad experience was worthwhile. It really changed the way I see live. I've come to be more appreciative of the life that I have in America. After studying at an international university, I have become accepting of other cultures outside of my ethnicity. It really makes me regret my global narrow-mindedness on the onset of studying in Japan.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was fair. There was enough work to keep us busy and allow us a little bit of free time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
At the beginning of my study the administration were glad to help everyone who had concerns about certain things. However, further in the year, the administration was too busy to help everyone who approached them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was tough getting used to international roommates and suitemates. We all got along, but there were a lot of problematic issues dealing with the living situations. |
| * Food: |
I applied for the meal plan, but it seemed like the food that was served didn't hold much nutrition. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed all the cultural traditions within the prefecture I was living in. I remember the mud puddling, Japanese theatre field trips, and all the scenery field trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The health issues were definitely addressed, but there weren't many students who took caution throughout their campus lives. This issue became quite problematic, because many students resulted in sickness. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people were capable of speaking English, but I tried to use Japanese when I could. I used Japanese everyday, but I didn't speak it regularly. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be very open minded when being in a foreign country. Just because you feel that something isn't right, doesn't mean that it's seen that way in the country your learning in. |
