Extremely Amazing, Definitely Worth it, I Can't Wait to Go Back to Japan! Past Review
By genna.daniel (East Asian Studies., Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/19/2012 to 08/16/2012 with
CIEE: Tokyo - Summer Japanese Studies
I learned/gained so many things while abroad. Language, culture, new discoveries/growth of myself that I discovered, the list goes on. Yes, it was worthwhile.
Personal Information
If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sophia University |
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. |
Great professors at Sophia, I enjoyed my classes. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I love Tokyu Inn, especially in Kichijoji, the staff is so friendly and wonderful in helping you out. |
* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Tokyo is one of the safest cities I have ever stayed/traveled in. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
fairly easy, but this isn't including buying souvenirs/gifts/and the like |
* Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
* Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | somewhere between ¥2,000-¥3,000 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save ahead of time if you know if you will be studying abroad. It doesn't hurt to ask around amongst close family members and friends. But, having a part time job helps too which is what I had. |
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 |
They encouraged a minimal amount, just to let the host country know that you are trying which is greatly appreciated. |
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 103 (end of the 100 level Japanese courses) |
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? | Get little dictionaries, or guidebooks that have important phrases and words to know. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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 should've brought a bigger suitcase, I bought a lot of souvenirs. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Japanese Contemporary Society |
Course Department: | Anthropology |
Instructor: | Debrah Occhi |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | The class was a nice challenge, it wasn't an impossible challenge. Everything was relevant and the teacher was knowledgeable in the area. I also participated the same amount necessary for this type of lecture class. We were assessed through writings, two quizzes, a midterm, and a final. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I didn't have any issues with this class. My same advice is to talk to your adviser, the chances of it transferring could be in your favor as long as you ask. |
Course Name/Rating: |
Japanese 2B |
Course Department: | Japanese |
Instructor: | Noguchi |
Instruction Language: | English and Japanese |
Comments: | It was a bit challenging, but Noguchi-sensei was a very patient and amazing teacher. Noguchi-sensei taught us well, and had us go out into Tokyo to practice our Japanese conversation skills. I believe I participated the normal amount. We were assessed through presentations, homework, and quizzes. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Nope, I didn't. But it doesn't hurt to ask the adviser who can see what it will transfer for, the worst that could happen is that it could be counted as an elective. |