Magic in Japan Past Review

By (Stevens Institute of Technology) - abroad from 06/23/2017 to 07/22/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new friends, learned about an entirely new culture, and found new parts of myself in the process. It absolutely was a worthwhile experience. It was hard to go a foreign country alone, but it was the best thing I could have done for myself in college.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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? No

I would want to do something different. The program was wonderful, but I would want to take new classes and learn new things.

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? Under $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know where you go! Plan ahead for how much you're gonna spend.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? Immerse yourself. Practice all day long. Challenge yourself throughout the day with reading and speaking. The more you do it, the better you'll be.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The location
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Better housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that there was going to be so much to do and see in Japan that a lifetime isn't enough time to do it all. The little things in are the most wonderful, and the people you meet along the way are the best parts of the experience.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'