Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great travel introduction for someone with little travel experience! Past Review

By (Colorado State University) - abroad from 07/17/2019 to 08/06/2019 with

Colorado State University: Art and Art History in Tokyo, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile. Going to Tokyo improved my drawing from sight skills tenfold, increased my knowledge of artistic concepts and theories, and was very enjoyable.

Review Photos

Colorado State University: Art and Art History in Tokyo, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Colorado State University: Art and Art History in Tokyo, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Colorado State University: Art and Art History in Tokyo, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Colorado State University: Art and Art History in Tokyo, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Colorado State University: Art and Art History in Tokyo, Hosted by the Asia Institute 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.

The sites we went to were all full of information and were supplemented by assigned readings and responses required by the professors. The professors made sure to keep connecting running themes and concepts so that the information we learned was long-lasting and extremely interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Professors gave engaging small lectures on sight and connected the artistic themes to the places we were at. The only downside was that our class was rather large and had a hard time finding places to congregate.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotel was amazing! Great service, comfortable, and AMAZING breakfast! There was a convenience store right nearby which was extremely helpful for breaking down large bills and getting snacks. The only downside was once again the size of our class. We had trouble finding places to congregate to work on some of the assignments.

* Food:

Wow! Wow! Wow!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt fairly integrated (as much as you can without knowing the language). Most cultural challenges I faced simply involved me needing to remind myself to not talk so loud, but I found that as long as I paid attention to those around me it wasn't too difficult.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

I felt very safe during the trip!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Couldn't get enough of this program. I think the length of it was perfect for my comfort zone and didn't strain me too much. I think an extra week or half-week could be good, but that's more money.

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)

Could have done better if I had spent less on snacks and teas.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not more than $115 a week probably.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I was pretty stingy so I don't have great advice. I only really bought stuff I KNEW I couldn't get in the US. That meant I barely bought clothes and mostly bought candies, manga, and tourist-y things.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great lectures
  • The Public Transportation System!
  • Amazing nature and weather
* What could be improved?
  • Specific places planned for lectures
  • For time allotted for lunch
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be careful and strategic with how you pack! You won't want a big backpack but will want to bring a lot of things. Plan on taking a small bag that can fit a sketchbook and can have a water bottle and umbrella clipped to it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!