Life in Kansai June 30, 2025
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2025 to 05/19/2025 with
CET Japan
During my time in Osaka, I got to explore other areas with their own history and local specialities. This experience furthered my understanding of Japanese culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Class size will depend on Japanese levels, but all of the professors were great and available for office hours. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Be sure to ask any questions you may have to the staff - the earlier the better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Japanese housemates were very engaging with us, no matter the time. |
| * Food: |
School cafeteria is cheap, as well as other nearby places. There is also a local supermarket. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program is a good size and there were always events throughout the semester that encouraged exploration in the region. If you were to travel to other locations within Japan, the staff and friends would offer helpful suggestions. Overall, the participants made it an incredible experience. |
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 |
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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 |
At school, students are obligated to speak only in Japanese. |
| 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? | JAPN 105 |
| 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? | Speak to Japanese friends and stop by I-Chat Lounge to engage with international students as well. |
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 more daily/conversational phrases that would be used in stores or restaurants. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
