When can I go back?!??! Past Review
By Antonia C (Japanese Language, Literature, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 04/01/2014 to 08/10/2015 with
Hirosaki University: Hirosaki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I've made a bunch of friends who I definitely want to see again, and I learned some new arts and activities that I want to continue. My Japanese has also improved dramatically, and I feel more motivated to continue learning. It was completely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program for International students at Hirosaki University isn't particularly academically rigorous, but the teachers are wonderful and the classes are interesting and enjoyable. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Accommodation at the International house was very affordable, conditions were good, the rooms were clean and all living necessities were accounted for. However it was very cold during the winter, and the rooms were quite small. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was involved in two extracurricular activities, as well as several activities in the community which helped me immediately make many Japanese friends and a part of the culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only went to a clinic once to check out a minor injury, but I think healthcare was very affordable and accessible. |
| * Safety: |
Hirosaki is an extremely safe city. The only safety concerns one might have are bicycle-related accidents, or ice-related accidents in the winter. But if you are careful it should not be an issue. |
| 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) |
Living in the International House is very affordable. Rent was only about $50 plus utilities (gas can get to about $150 in the winter, but is usually about $35 when not using heating) and food prices are comparable to the US (fresh produce is more expensive but pre-made meals are fairly cheap and healthier than their american counterparts). Living in an apartment is a little more expensive, but still cheaper than apartments in Orono. I lived in the cheapest apartment available which was $200/month plus utilities, but an average would be about $300 or $350 plus utilities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't do most of your shopping at convenience stores! Buy groceries and do your own cooking as much as possible. Cook rice! U-Mart and most other groceries stores put their bento on discount after 8pm, other products go on discount at different times. Eggs are half-off on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A lot of stores will have certain days or times when things are cheaper. |
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 |
I would say it's more individual motivation than the program. Programs try to encourage you as much as possible to use the language (teachers and administration all speak to you in Japanese) however most staff do speak English and most students living in international housing also speak English, so it is easy for some students to fall into a habit of speaking only English. However, if you get involved with groups on and off campus it's possible to speak only Japanese for the most part. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I was auditing an Intermediate Japanese class. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | While in America, try to get some listening practice either by listening to CD's, podcasts or watching TV in Japanese. Reading is also very good practice. While abroad, join some clubs or circles so that you immerse yourself in an environment where you have to use Japanese regularly, but more importantly, in something fun that motivates you to improve your Japanese to participate in club activities and talk with your friends. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | One semester is not nearly enough. Sign up for the whole year ahead of time so you don't have to end up extending your program (twice) like me. |
