studying, trying and enjoying Past Review
By Xinru L (Political Science, Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/07/2012 to 08/04/2012 with
Hokkaido International Foundation: Language and Culture Program
I finished my second year Japanese classes in two months and had some basic ideas of japanese daily life and culture. More importantly, I met some graduated students and PHD and learnt a lot from their experience. I feel I will keep studying Japanese and East Asian Studies.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It provided more chance to speck only Japanese and learn Japanese culture with your classmates, Sensei, host family and Japanese students. The courses were really intensive because you took a whole year Japanese class within two months. However, I really love this program in Hakodate. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family treated me really good and cook yummy breakfast and supper every day. The only thing I concerned is the distance between the host family and school. As for me, I speed 1 hour on Railway and 3 hour on walking every weekday which declined my time for judo club and studying. |
| * Food: |
As we all know, Japanese food is really healthy and delicious. I really miss squid, carb, ramen and so on at this moment. However, if you are a vegetarian who does not eat fish or you are a muslim, live may be a little harder for you. Also, the amount of vegetables and fruit may not be enough for you but you can buy juice anywhere and communicate with your host family. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It really depends on what you want to have or buy. Basically, you have to buy your lunch every weekday. In addition, you may want to travel somewhere in Hokkaido, buy some manga and souvenir for yourself or your friend. Last but not least, HIF provides traffic subsidy and helps you to book really cheap bus or hotel to Sapporo if you prefer to go with group. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The range could be 25-60 usd |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I suggest you ride a bike during the program and you will get subsidy as well as you take a bus or railway. You can find really good and cheap lunch boxes in super market and convenience store (7-11) nearby. |
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 have a rule that when you enter the school, you have to speak Japanese only expect emergency. |
| 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? | Japanese 20B |
| 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? | Try to use the language even you sometimes feel you don't have enough vocab or fluent speaking and enjoy talking with others in this language. |
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? | The weather, the price and bring enough cash |
