Filled with memories and food June 08, 2026
By Kara L (Chemical Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2026 to 05/15/2026 with
CET Japan
Definitely worthwhile, I learned a lot about myself and who I want to be. I went out by myself and got more comfortable being alone.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The elective courses offered were not difficult at all. The range of subjects are also very limited to business or international relations. However, the professors are very kind and will support you in any way. The ease of classes allows more free time to explore the country and culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great admin, mostly helpful when you have questions. They are very quick at responding and care about your needs. Do not hesitate to reach out to them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great landlord, however I wish you had more ability to choose who your housemates are. They also are not very clear with housing descriptions and many people did not know what they were signing up for with "apartment style" vs. "share house style". I personally had no issues but some other people did not love their arrangments. |
| * Food: |
Considering there is no meal plan, eating out or cooking is the only option. But good thing the food in Japan is cheap and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were definitely moments I felt out of place but overall I felt pretty integrated. Going into it with an open mind and no expectation really helps I did not feel like the culture was shocking and it was not hard to adapt. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There was one case of flu or something when I was there but nothing crazy. I never had to seek healthcare but I heard from other people it is easily accessible and the program pays for it so no need to worry about the financial aspect of it. The program doctor speaks many languages so that is very helpful. They will also see you very quick, like day of or the day after. No vaccines are needed. |
| * Safety: |
Osaka and Japan is very safe. Just be alert when walking alone at night and always be aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had so much free time to explore and do whatever I wanted without the stress of failing or falling behind in classes. Being a small program allows you to more easily connect with other students who know your language and are all trying to adjust to the culture like you are. |
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) |
Everything in Japan is pretty cheap, I did not keep track of my spending but if you were to eat out 5 days a week at a restaurant and all other meals being convenience store or grocery store prepared meals, you'd probably spend less than $100 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't sleep on grocery store meals, they are cheaper than convenience store meals and have bigger portions and are still delicious. |
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 |
They have a language pledge they make everyone sign at the beginning of the program where everyone must speak Japanese on the 3rd and 4th floors of the building. They did enforce that however, outside of the building the language pledge was hardly used. |
| 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? | None |
| 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? | Just practice even when you aren't confident. The best way to learn is to listen to other people and use phrases repetitively. I went in with no Japanese at all (not even hiragana or katakana) but I know simple sentences now. Especially at convenience stores or restaurants, use what you know. |
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? | How nice and kind everyone would be. And that a lot of information would be given when you are at orientation so don't worry if you feel like you know nothing before you leave. |
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. |
