Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Memories are 20% about the place, 80% about the people you meet Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/26/2017 to 12/26/2017 with

CET Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the confidence that I can adapt to and thrive in a place where I know nothing. I didn't know the language and I didn't know anyone, but I still gained lifelong friends and had a lot fun in the 4 months I spent there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I was the only one in my beginner class. My classes were intense 1-on-1 sessions with the program director, who has years of teaching experience. She also had assistant teachers supporting her. So my classes were intense but entirely customized towards me. Outside the classroom, the program activities were great in that they created bonds and friendships. I was also completely free to go wherever I wanted outside class, which meant complete freedom to explore with almost no restrictions.

Finances

* 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)

The suggested budget by CET was not very realistic/ far from how much was actually needed for food

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook. Ask your roommates about cheap food stores that are nearby. They are typically further away than the supermarkets, but these stores are much cheaper, and you can buy in bulk.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I didn't take any Japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Half of what I learned in Japanese came from interacting with my Roommates. Wanting to communicate with the Japanese members in the program was the biggest motivator in learning Japanese.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The roommate/ house mate system
  • The Hiroshima Program Trip
  • The one-on-one/ small class size.
* What could be improved?
  • The organization for club activities. I was excited about joining the volleyball club on campus. But there was very little communication between CET and OGU for clubs. I received very little support/ help in joining the club and in the end was not able to join the club, even though there was an advertisement about abroad students being able to join the club.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't pack so much clothes, shoes, and things. The fashion, prices, and general quality of things in Japan are better than in America, and you'll want to do lots of shopping. I ended up having to buy another suitcase in Japan and checking another bag on the way back.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.