Japan with CIEE 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?
Definitely worthwhile. Learned so much about Japanese culture and politics.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall my classes were excellent, except for one, which was sub-par.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful in every respect except for their information on cellular services which felt quite like a rip-off afterwards.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A wonderful home stay!

* 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:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least $6 for lunch everyday
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go with a host family! Breakfast and dinner are almost always provided.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? JAPN105
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? Stay with a host family.

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

  • 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?
  • Friends from around the world
  • Language practice
  • Excellent food
* What could be improved?
  • CELL PHONE INFORMATION
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was a little more ready to explore all over Tokyo at the beginning.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

International Business

Course Department: FLA
Instructor: Khojaste
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not challenging, arbitrarily graded, and a teacher who was less than adequate.
Credit Transfer Issues: NA
Course Name/Rating:

East Asian Media Flows

Course Department: FLA
Instructor: Prof. Choo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Superb, interesting, and challenging. This class was truly engaging and changed the way I thought about the subject matter.
Credit Transfer Issues: