Blending the modern and the historic; a peek into the old capital. Past Review
By A student (Japanese Language and Culture, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 04/27/2015 with
Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies / KCJS
It was my first time ever traveling outside of the United States. I gained the experience of living within another country and learning how Japanese people live everyday life I was able to go beyond the textbook and use Japanese in a real setting, rather than a fabiricated classroom experience. By interacting with Japanese people in everyday settings, I have a better understanding of the social dynamics of the language.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I greatly enjoyed the Japanese language courses. I felt as though the courses taught in English were busy work and not at the same academic level as courses at my home college. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a guesthouse which was advertise as having other students living there as well. I was the one student in the house and because of this, I had no one to practice my Japanese with. |
* Food: |
I purchased and prepared my own meals since I was not living with a host family. I was fortunate enough to get meal funds from my school, so I was able to go out for meals a few times a week and use it as an opportunity to chat with native speakers. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I am familia with Japanese culture, so for the most part I felt like I was able to fit in well. Unfortunately, Japan doesn't have a large population of foreigners, so I was often stared at while I was out doing daily activities. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not seek healthcare while abroad. |
* Safety: |
One of my favorite features of Japan, is how truly safe it is. I was able to walk to convenient stores late at nght/early in the morning without worrying about my safety. |
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) |
If you shop properly you will survive!! 100 yen stores are your friend!! You can use them or omiyage shopping, or food! I would often go to the local grocery store around 9pm and get marked down foods for 20-40% off!! |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100ish.. I traveled around Kyoto alot and ate out often |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | BUY DISCOUNTED FOOD! It tastes just as good! Most grocery stores mark down their cooked items a few hours before they close.THAT is the time to strike! Buy lots of yummy things for cheap. Also, convenient stores such as 7/11 and Lawsons have REAL food! Do not confuse them with American convenient stores. In Japan people often buy and eat conbini food. |
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 |
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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? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | First semester of third year Japanese. I was just beginning to be at the intermediate/advanced level |
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? | Write your kanji over and over again unil it haunts your dreams. Watch los of Japanese drama/anime. Try to go out and imerse yourself into the cultue. Go shopping, go to shrines/temples, go to restaurants. I used Japanese a lot when I would go out to ramen shops... for some reason ramen chefs love to talk. I would also talk a lot with shop keepers. |
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? | That I should have brushed up on some of my vocabulary. One importan set of vocabulary I wish I had studied a bit more before traveling abroad, would be asking for directions. I would have also tried to learn the layout of the cty I was living in and how to read the Kanji of the streets in my area. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |