Japan was pretty awesome. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although AIU has many local teachers, most of the professors I had were international, so the grading system and teaching styles were not much different from what I was used to. One thing I did learn that most teachers were adamant about was that you are not allowed to bring food or drink into classes.

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in the office was more than willing to help when I had a question or problem. I rarely had to wait more than a few minutes before someone helped me. About half the staff spoke very good English, and often office workers would track me down to remind me of things I had signed up for.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The only slight problem I had with the housing was with my roommate. We had very little in common, and she did several things that were very inconsiderate. I did not have any problems that were major enough to report to the housing staff, however, and they made sure to tell us at the beginning of the semester that we would not be allowed to switch rooms unless it was deemed absolutely necessary. There were several other roommates I (and my roommate) would rather have had, and the switch would not have been hard to make, but AIU made switching rooms too difficult for us.

The food was usually pretty good, but a lot of times the cafeteria ran out of the most popular dishes in less than an hour. If I didn't eat early, most of the time I wouldn't get my first choice in meals.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In addition to all the COS-hosted activities, I had a large friend group that would often plan trips, meals, and other fun activities. The Japanese students were so nice to us and gave us ideas of things to do in the city. We went to karaoke, had an overnight trip at a sports complex, and we did probably 10 meal days when we would all chip in to buy ingredients to make food from different countries and just hang out together. In addition, a friend and I planned a week-long trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. It was a great experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt so safe in Japan. After the first week I never locked my door, and nothing was ever stolen from me. People would leave valuable things (expensive gaming equipment, money, computers) in the lobby overnight and they wouldn't be stolen. I never felt any fear of being robbed (or worse). Japan was very clean; when people were sick, they wore masks in order to not spread germs, so in that sense, I feel like it was cleaner than America. I never had any health issues, but one of my friends did, and she was satisfied with the way she was treated at the hospital, and she had a volunteer willing to act as a translator on her behalf.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

AIU had a great optional program set up for international students who wished to practice their Japanese. It was called JCF, Japanese Conversation Friends, and each student was paired with a Japanese student who would meet with them about once a week and speak only Japanese during their time together. My partner was excellent, always willing to help when I had problems with grammar or vocabulary, and never made fun of me for not knowing something. In addition, there were plenty of volunteer opportunities to communicate with locals, and all the Japanese students were willing to help with homework or language practice when asked.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students