Studying Abroad at Hiroshima University Past Review

By Terrence M (Japanese Language and Literature., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for

Hiroshima University: Hiroshima - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

YES. Through the HUSA program, I've met so many amazing people. We've all grown up in some way, if it's Japanese language ability, or just living on our own for the first time. I've also learned a lot, both academically, and about me personally. Study abroad has been very challenging, but I think it has changed me for the best.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The teaching style of most professors here is the lecture style. In addition to being awfully long winded, they tend to go on random tangents, so it's easy to fall asleep. But there are a few courses taught by wonderful people, that are just so interesting!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The staff of our program were very helpful. Whenever we had questions or problems, they were always welcome to listening to us. I cannot stress that point enough.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The dormitory facilities themselves were not that great. The cleaning ladies did a lackluster job of cleaning up things, and the other residents were fairly filthy, leaving food and other messes all over the place. But they are within walking distance to the university, and in a rather scenic location (near a lake and forest). And there's air conditioning. All in all, not the best accommodations, but it could have been a LOT worse.
* Food:	THERE IS SO MUCH GOOD FOOD HERE. The school cafeterias are usually open, and have a wide variety of good food to eat. There are also a handful of good, cheap restaurants about a block away from campus.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There have been several trips organized to go to local tourist attractions, like Onomichi, Miyajima, and of course the Genbaku Dome in the city. The school also sponsored two festivals, the School Festival and Yukata Matsuri. Both were very enjoyable.
* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	Many people can speak English; but there are only a few who can speak it well. Through various programs, I was able to practice my Japanese with native speakers fairly often. Also, because we are responsible for taking care of our own personal business, I've had to use my Japanese to do such things as grocery shopping, travel plans, and cell phone.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?