Is a year-long vacation worth it? Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It feels as though AKP is a justified vacation from college while accruing credit at ones home institution. The program consists of a daily Japanese language course, two twice a week electives and a mandatory once a week practicum. While I have relatively nothing negative to say about the language aspect of the program, the electives and practicum leave much to be desired. As far as I can tell thus far, our weekly readings responses have been a "you did it or you didn't" type of graded assignment and the midterm, which was graded, was then split between "A" and "B." Thus far, there has not been a single instance in which I have contemplated whether I was going to need to pull an all-nighter, let alone stay up until 12. While although this may seem like a godsend to the over-worked sophomore looking for study abroad programs, this type of academic experience in practice is actually quite unfulfilling. The classes that had me thinking, "Why am I doing this to myself?? T.T" had proven to be my favorites which I often positively look back to. Since undergraduate school has the incredibly limited duration of four years and, depending on the school you attend, may be costing you an arm and a leg, one might as well remain at his/her homeschool to reap the most of his/her education while it is still possible.

On-site administration of your program

There is no aid for acquiring a part-time job.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I have found the host family to be the highlight of this study abroad experience. They, more than the program, have aided my Japanese language abilities, and although my ability to speak is really not there they still try their best and are most often able to deduce some meaning out of it.

The quality of the food provided by the host family, in my opinion, is far superior to that offered at my home school. It most usually tasted more or less good and I have not had one instance of it disagreeing with me.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One's social interactions in AKP are rather limited given the small size of the program. However, as I stated above, rejoining the host family at the end of the day is always something I look forward to.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Kyoto is the safest, large city I have ever been to thus far in my life.

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

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Home Stay
• Location

• Program Size
• Quality of Classes