Greatest Adventure of My Life Past Review
By Briar P (Art History, Criticism and Conservation, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 04/04/2016 to 08/05/2016 with
Hirosaki University: Hirosaki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a much better grasp of the language, the culture, and my thesis topic by going abroad. I learned a lot about myself - cliche, I know, but it is true.
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 language courses were intensive, but the electives were engaging. Some of the courses offered field trips and participation at local cultural sites. I took an individual research class and was able to travel as part of the class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sometimes communication of the program was a bit off between UMaine and Hirosaki, but the administration staff were very understanding and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Cheap rent and a room to myself, with my very own bathroom and kitchen! The international dorm also has a spectacular view of Mt. Iwaki! |
| * Food: |
The school's offerings at the cafeteria were always delicious and affordable (and, of course, the local food was too) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very integrated. However, I ventured out into the local culture, wandered the city, got to know people in the town, and found my favorite places to haunt. It won't just happen if you don't put yourself out there. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A few of us injured ourselves while abroad, and we were well taken care of! |
| * Safety: |
Overall, I felt safe. However, there were instances where some international students were targeted and I feel the response in regards to informing the international student community were not ideal. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
By getting the opportunity to study and conduct research abroad, I got to do so many things in Hirosaki that I never imagined I would do. Visiting a traditional onsen, participating in the regional Neputa Festival, enjoying the cherry blossom festival at Hirosaki Castle, befriending the owners of local hideaways and spinning funk records until 6 am, walking the streets wearing yukata during summer festivals with new friends, and of course learning a language and being immersed in a foreign culture were only some of the highlights! I had the opportunity to travel while abroad, as well, including Tokyo to interview a major artist as well as Kyoto and Nara. I could go on and on... Hirosaki is rich in regional art, culture, and language - Tsugaru-ben is so much fun to learn and speak. I think studying in Hirosaki offered me a more intimate experience than going to a major city like Tokyo. I got to know so many people in town and developed lasting friendships with Hirosaki students and locals. I consider Hirosaki my second home and will definitely return. |
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 found it to be very affordable. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget, budget, budget! You can afford a night or two (or five) out in Hirosaki, I can promise you that. |
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 |
We were encouraged, but if you worked in the English Lounge it could be hard to use Japanese. All of the classes are in English unless you test into an upper-level Japanese language class. I found my best language learning was done outside of school and talking with locals. |
| 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? | Basic Japanese |
| 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? | Get out and meet people! Don't be afraid to try talking to people in Japanese. You may mess up, but trying to speak in the native language is very appreciated. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | I wish I would have signed up for a whole year! |
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! |
