Kyoto, Japan: A cultural experience Past Review
By Kari R (Japanese Major, University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 03/22/2012 to 08/24/2012 with
Doshisha University: Kyoto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much about Japan and also about myself. I am definitely a stronger person having had this experience and done it on my own. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes moved quickly (a new chapter every day), but the teachers were always willing to help. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was very helpful, but for beginners at Japanese, it was often difficult to understand important information when it was only communicated in Japanese. For example, the first week of school, most of the orientations were not translated to English (usually just into Chinese). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was excellent! The location was secure and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed living in the international dormitory. |
| * Food: |
I loved eating and cooking Japanese food! My only complaint is that fruit is very expensive in comparison to the United States. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of the local people I met or encountered were extremely nice and accommodating. My Japanese level was low, though, so it was hard for me to feel connected at all times. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only had one medical issue during my program; I had a fish bone stuck in my throat! The doctors and staff were very polite and did not give me a difficult time about my poor Japanese and my anxiety about the situation. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in danger. The streets of Kyoto are very clean and safe. |
| 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) |
I spent about $60 on food and personal expenses per week. I cooked almost all of my meals and rarely ate out at restaurants. I also tried to go to places that were free or had an inexpensive admission fee. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to free events! Shop at 100 Yen stores (they're everywhere)! Don't go out drinking all the time, drinks bought at liquor stores are cheaper. |
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 |
The teachers only spoke in Japanese. The staff of the school only spoke in Japanese unless you were really struggling, then someone that could speak English would assist. The dormitory staff also only spoke Japanese. |
| 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? | Level 1 |
| 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? | Make friends with the local students! Go to events offered by the school, such as tours. Join a club/circle. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Time flies, so take advantage of every single day, even the rainy ones. |
