How I wish I started University in Japan Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Studying at Sophia University, the academic workload is the same as any college or university. Depending on the course you enroll in, extra curricular activities you partake in, and your personal plans, your educational experience will vary.

On-site administration of your program

The CIEE staff is great in assisting their >>enrolled<< students with any problems they need. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students have a great experience while studying in Japan.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first my living arrangements extraordinary. I chose the homestay option and it was a great experience living with a Japanese family and having the experience of living in Japan. My only problem is that somewhere along the lines, my host-father wanted me to go out and travel to cities outside of Tokyo without thinking of my preferences. I am not particular about sightseeing by myself, but with friends, I would gladly do so. However, he kept enforcing the idea that I >>must<< travel by myself especially while school is still in session. My schedule was also very busy because I was working part-time and joined two club circles at Sophia University; this information, the entire family knew because I informed them of my schedule on a bi-/tri-daily basis. Commute to and from school was about a 2 hour 30 minute roundtrip; I did not mind but most people would.

Japan takes customer satisfaction above and beyond.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Due some forms of media that show daily life in Japan or a large city such as Tokyo, I had an idea how local culture should be. I personally did not experience any culture shock upon my arrival to Japan, but this will vary for each individual.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues that required attention. Most of the time, you can visit a drug store (kusuri-ya), or pharmacy (yakkyoku) to get everyday medicine. However, one of my friends I met through CIEE, joined an aikido (grappling martial arts) club, and got into an accident. I do not remember all the details but she had dislocated a bone around her knee. CIEE and the iNEXT insurance were not prepared for this.

Japan is one of, if not the most safest city in the world. With the world being under threat of terroristic attacks or news of burglary, I cannot express how safe Japan is without saying this: "Children as young as five years old, walk to and from school without the supervision of parents. Even in congregated areas such as trains, you will see elementary school students unattended."

The answer is yes and no. I would love to enroll with CIEE to study abroad again. However, after my experience, I wish I could have started my college/university life in Japan as a freshman.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

If you choose to do a homestay, breakfast and dinner will be provided to you by the family. Some families will allow you to use their shower products and do the laundry for you. In the situation where you must supply your own hygienic needs, costs per week will add up with lunch, club participate fees (sometimes club equipment), traveling outside of Tokyo, personal spending, etc,.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

With CIEE, you are required to enroll into a Japanese Language Course.

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