A Journey Abroad Past Review

By (University of California - Merced) - abroad from 03/25/2012 to 08/11/2012 with

Doshisha University: Kyoto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to experience another culture and language firsthand. Though it wasn't always fun, I would say it was a worthwhile journey.

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.

* 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?

International students were kept in separate classrooms than the Japanese students. Any cultural integration I partook in was on my own.

* 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? Yes

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)

Things tended to be rather expensive in Japan. The poor exchange rate didn't help either.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Practice using Japanese
  • Trying new foods
  • Exploring
* What could be improved?
  • Not Much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try not to stress out too much.

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!