Hakodate had already become my second home September 01, 2024

By (East Asian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/04/2024 to 08/04/2024 with

Hokkaido International Foundation: Language and Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I learnt a lot of Japanese language perspective things but in the meanwhile I got in touch with a lot of local people and I really love all the interactions I did with the local community.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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
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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Teachers
  • Local people
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • Probably the everyday selection of food at the school?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More information we can use for the independent study