Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

can't complain too much February 02, 2026

By (International and global studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/25/2025 to 12/15/2025 with

CET Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am more confident to go out and travel and put myself out of my comfort zone. Looking a fool and messing up is okay, awkward moments arent that bad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

it was intense and too quick for beginners. 4 hour lectures left me too exhausted to be able to practice on my own. After 2 hours the rest of the class meeting was redundant as it is exhausting and mentally taxing. It was hard to grasp anything after 2 hours.

* 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:

I had a stalker and the police were dismissive of it.

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

Great people, great program. This is my first time studying abroad, I don't know how other programs operate.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy bulk from super markets, prepare small snacks like fruits, nuts, and coffee and try to only spend on dinners and social events

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 0
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? talk to locals, have a list of most frequently used words, say hi to neighbors

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Food was great
  • memories were fond
  • people were fun
* What could be improved?
  • no city recommendations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? pack light, bring shampoo and conditioners and deodorant if you are particular

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.