The best experience of my life. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 04/01/2017 to 07/31/2016 with

Hirosaki University: Hirosaki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My ability in Japanese increased dramatically.

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

The international affairs staff was very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The cafeterias food was excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was quite easy to make friends with locals through programs at Hirosaki University.

* 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

I met some of the greatest people I have ever met, learned and grew as a person, and met my fiancee the love of my life.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice speaking as much as possible.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • The Food
  • The People
  • The Local Culture
* What could be improved?
  • More Information
  • Better Exchange Credits
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much it would change my life.

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!