Japan: Rurual and Urban Living Past Review
By Amanda B (Japanese, Indiana University/Purdue University at Columbus) for
CIEE: Tokyo - Summer Japanese Studies
This program changed my life. it sounds cliche, but I am not the same girl who initially boarded the plane to Japan. It brought new life to my textbooks and language lessons, and made me far more confident in my language skills. It was worth every penny, every stress-filed night, and every road-bump along the way.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load was reasonable given that it was an accelerated program. The only issue I had was the style in which the Art class was taught since the only grade given in that class was a comprehensive final that pulled from more than 200 pieces. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was a lot of support given during all phases of this journey! I actually had a health issue while over there, and the staff was amazingly helpful in helping me get it taken care of. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
During the 3-day excursion my allergies were accommodated every well. The only thing I would change is perhaps giving students greater access to more familiar foods the first couple of days as well since the food is so drastically different and had the potential to create upset stomachs. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had my picture taken as a maiko, which is still one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my time abroad. The trip to Shirokawa-go and Matsumoto Castle were also amazing experiences. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only time I felt a little uneasy was on the anniversary day of Korea succeeding from Japan, where some extremists were out on the streets blasting the pre-war national anthem. But it didn't really affect us much since we all preferred to stay in groups anyway- it just made us a little wary. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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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? | I'd tell students to go for it! It's an amazing program- especially if you have some tight time restrictions on what programs you can take abroad and still graduate on time! Just prepared for a lot of new and exciting experiences. |
