Best Time of My Life! Past Review
By Faith R (International Relations, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 04/01/2017 to 08/04/2017 with
Hirosaki University: Hirosaki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained self confidence and a new appreciation for the world, languages, and pretty much everything! I came out of this experience with a completely new view on my life! I wouldn't have given up this experience for anything!
Review Photos
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. |
Japanese classes were every day, sometimes twice a day, but overall class load was not overwhelming and allowed for students to involve themselves in other campus activities while still learning interesting information. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The support office was always very helpful and the orientation was extensive. They also have English speaking support workers which definitely helped with important information. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the international student house! It was cheap and conveniently located next to a supermarket! It was cold when I first arrived and hot when I left so a fan is a must and the heater will be used but the apartments were very cozy! |
| * Food: |
I can not say enough good things about Japanese food! It is definitely the best food that I have ever eaten in my life and its cheap! Everyday I looked forward to what I was going to eat and was never once disappointed with anything I ordered! Whether it's bento from the convenience store, restaurant food, or even home cooked food the choices are all equally amazing and delicious! The only expensive things are fruits and like in most countries, meat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt completely integrated by the time I left! Japanese people would randomly start conversation, I was a member of the Karate club, and a member of the Cross Culture Club! Yes, Japanese people stare but that didn't take away from me feeling completely at home in this country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt in danger during my time in Hirosaki or Japan as a whole. I am a woman and did have some men approach me but it was never in a scary way. There are certain parts of town that could be considered sketchy but that's true with every culture and even in those places I felt comfortable walking around alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I actually loved this program so much that I am applying to go again Spring 2018! Can't even explain in words how much I loved this country! |
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) |
Japan is honestly not as expensive as people make it out to be and it's really easy to find part-time English teaching job! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Each week I probably spent close to 100 dollars a week or a little less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It honestly depends how involved you want to be. In Japan going out to eat with friends is a common activity, which does add up some. You can cook at home, but I found it easier to buy my food already prepared most of the time because I usually only ate one meal a day. Most expenses depends on how social you are, and how much you eat on a daily. |
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 |
All classes are both in Japanese and English; but honestly I would find it quite difficult to get by on a daily without using the language. Some people did manage without really learning but if you want Japanese friends and to join Japanese clubs it's really impossible not to use the language on a daily basis. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Japanese 2 |
| 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? | Highly recommend real conversations with native people. Online tutoring is a resource I really wish I took advantage of before my time in Hirosaki. |
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? | More more more Japanese! That was the thing I realized the first day I stepped off of the plane, I wish I new more Japanese and had really studied my heart off before going! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
