An Amazing Experience If You're Serious About Learning Japanese September 20, 2023
By Auden L (Japanese Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2023 to 05/15/2023 with
CET Japan
I made what I feel will be lifelong connections, had unforgettable experiences taking in new sights, and furthered my Japanese knowledge in an encouraging and environment.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
At the beginning, tolerance for English was absolutely zero. Some reactionary words like "um" or "no" were used and were to be brought up with the Academic Director in the first week of school. Although this was made less strict in the following weeks, the expectation was initially almost unreachable and made for a more stressful environment, especially because the program was just beginning. However, after the first week, I felt very comfortable with my teachers, classmates, and amount of classwork / homework that I was expected to complete. My professor, Ootsuji Naomi was amazing and I hope that other students who are abroad get to experience her class! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I could not fit in the bath and the living space was very narrow... but it was quiet and the heating / air conditioner worked like a charm. However, the living arrangements of the program makes it so that you are close to both the school you attend and the friends that you will get acquainted with throughout the program. By having Japanese students live with you in these apartments and share-houses, you are encouraged to foster connections with them and improve your Japanese as well. |
| * Food: |
The options on campus for food were amazing and cheap, and there were plenty of good quality restaurants in the nearby area. |
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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? |
No issues personally with my health, other than a few days where I needed to stay home from class, which were accommodated by the school. Friends that visited the hospital said that despite the language barrier they received help that was efficient and thorough, and they felt taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Due to the convenience of my living arrangements and the fact that I lived with Japanese students that I got very close to, I would definitely choose the same program. The community of the program was very strong and I feel that CET made it especially special with all of the events and assistance they provided for us. It felt like the administrators and directors were approachable and really felt like they cared about our well-being. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 - 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Convenience stores are more expensive than grocery stores, even for small snacks and things like breakfast. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Intermediate Japanese - 30A |
| 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? | You will have enough time inside the courses and in the school itself, but hang out with Japanese students and make friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew beforehand how strict the policies on speaking English would be, and I wish I knew the options for optional classes before going on this program. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
