Past Review
By Lori A (Nursing., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Akita International University: Akita (Intensive Japanese Summer Program) - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I think it was very wothwhile. I gained so much appreciation for the Japanese culture and many other cultures worldwide after meeting lot of exchange students from all over the world. After completing this program I know I definitely want to continue my studies in the Japanese language and I hope to return here someday!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Hawaii Manoa |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The summer program was comprised of 6 weeks of intensive studies. Every week we had atleast 1 cultural event, conversation class, quiz/test, group activity. It was so beneficial to all of us were able to practice, apply, and gain cultural knowledge. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone in the administration staff were really helpful in guiding us through this whole summer program. Whenver I had a question or concern they were quick to address it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We all had a Japanese roommate that had been a student at AIU for atleast 1 semester, so they knew a lot about the school facilities and activities. The dorms were conveniently located right next to the cafeteria and about a 1 minute walk to class. Bedding, desk, lamp, and closet were all provided. No refridgerator/microwaves allowed but there is a community kitchen located on the 1st floor. |
| * Food: |
A lot of the cafeteria food is fried and seems a little unhealthy, also there wasn't much of variety but you can always buy food at the kiosk or convenience store. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went on many field trips as a big group, it's a good way to make friends. Also this University is relitively small so you will become close with everyone. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No vaccines needed for this program. |
| 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? |
At the cafeteria and the convinience stores a lot of the staff did not speak English so it gave us a chance to utilize our Japanese. Also we had weekly conversation classes which helped us practice making simple conversation in Japanese. |
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? | You should go on this trip open-minded and you can learn so many things about Japanese culture. |
