Unforgettable, amazing, meaningful Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 03/24/2016 to 07/30/2016 with

CIEE: Tokyo - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It is definitely worthwhile. Living and studying in a foreign speaking country for couple of month is really challenging, but you can learn a lot from those days, like the culture, the food and etc. You will have new friends and it is really to step out of your comfortable zone and to see the different part of the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

the overall educational experience is good, japanese skill improved a lot

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good but the dorm is too far away from the school, 1 hour for one-way.

* Food:

Japanese food is amazing! Like it. the food in school is good too

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

People are friendly and happy to help, the culture is interesting

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health insurance is helpful

* Safety:

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)

living in japan is costly. Too many new things to be attracted and I usually travelled around within and outside the city (Tokyo)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not remember exactly
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to visit some place or travel around, plan ahead! It can really save a lot of money.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 1A
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 local people a lot, don't afraid to say something wrong, people are nice to help you

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Lots of cultural experiencing activities
  • Japanese skills improved
  • Very helpful when meeting problems
* What could be improved?
  • Better living places, not too far away
  • More flexible class schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not really have something i wish to know before the 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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!