Akita International University: Language Building at its Finest Past Review
By Michael K (HISTORY., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Akita International University: Akita - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Absolutely worth it. AIU is an up-and-coming institution in Japan, and the local students are incredibly supportive and intelligent.
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. |
Excellent, challenging language instruction |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was highly efficient and hard working. There were opportunities for input and feedback. As it is an English-language university, there should be a few more fluent English speakers available to assist in the dorms or in case of medical problems. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The room was rather small, although clean and with new, fully functional appliances. Part of this was that I am a larger person. |
| * Food: |
The service staff is fantastic. Really friendly and helpful. However, the diet requires getting used to. It is based on rice and miso soup. If that is your thing, you will be fine. However, vegetable and protein content are WELL below what an American would expect at home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The nurse does an excellent job, and some of the local doctors speak English well. However, bring a Japanese friend with you if you feel really sick. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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* Who did you live with?
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