Tokyo: Living the Dream Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 03/25/2012 to 08/02/2012 with

CIEE: Tokyo - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned some interesting things about the culture and language that I wouldn't find in a book. I gained valuable friendships. Overall, it was very worthwhile

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and accessible

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living with a host family. I definitely feel that I was able to improve my language skills more than if I stayed in the dorm.

* Food:

Food was pretty much delicious no matter what restaurant I went to, the service was great, the only downside is that everything was quite pricey.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Due to the nature of Japanese culture, it is simply a longer process to make friends/integrate into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe city. There are police officers stationed in mini police boxes, even in not-so-busy areas.

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

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)

this is to be expected considering Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? study kanji ahead of time. The imbalance of kanji to grammar knowledge affects the placement test results

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Support. They were very helpful whenever we had some problems or questions
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing in particular comes in mind.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked to know what our options for staying past the usual ending date were.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Christianity and Japanese Culture

Course Department: Comparative Cultures
Instructor: Mark Mullins
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Definitely my favorite class. Very stimulating discussion and interesting topic. Professor was very knowledgeable and passionate about this topic. We also went on a relevant field trip. Lots of reading, but very rewarding course
Credit Transfer Issues: