Such an unexpected fruitful adventure Past Review
By Xiaoyu L (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2013 to 12/19/2013 with
Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies / KCJS
Not only improved language skills but also understanding of local cultures
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was a lot of stress but a wonderful learning experience. The teacher was helpful and there were lots of cultural events to help you improve your Japanese |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The professor was full of insightful knowledge about Japan, and I am so glad that I had my Japanese cultural studies there |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host-family was so nice and I know I am grateful to them from the bottom of my heart, though sometimes I dislike the pressure of their expectation on me to follow this and that. Anyway, I will never forget them. |
| * Food: |
Much much better..and cheaper than in America. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took a long while to get into the local communities and to know how they make friends. But anyway, it would be such a great achievement that I made some life-long good friends there |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I am good |
| * Safety: |
Japan is the safest city I have ever been, it does not even look unsafe |
| 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) |
we have stipend so it was fine |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | not really, since you will find many things you buy worth the price |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
They even have a prize for sb use the most Japanese |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | japanese 40b |
| 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? | spend more time |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | get some good habit in learning Japanese |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
