A great experience Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/12/2019 to 08/09/2019 with
Hokkaido International Foundation: Language and Culture Program
I got a real taste of what Japanese life is like.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was great! The classes are really small and intimate. The teachers work hard to make sure each student gets the most out of their experience. Regular out-of-class cultural experiences provide a much more in-depth understanding of the culture, history, and day-to-day life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration is very attentive and caring. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Food was fantastic |
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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: |
Not many places in the world can rival Japan in safety. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Whenever you see something you want to buy and bring home, make sure to take a step back before impulse-buying. Ask yourself if you'll really use it. Consider whether or not it's something you could get online, in your home country, or at a different retailer for less money/higher quality. |
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 |
In the program's building, there's a Japanese-only rule. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Third-year (of college) Japanese |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Have a good offline dictionary app ready to go. I recommend Jisho. Don't be afraid to ask your host family/teacher/random people you talk to for advice with Japanese. Most Japanese will love that you're trying to learn their language and will double down to help you along. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | It takes a LOT of work every day. |
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! |
