Japan: Language, not Tourism Past Review

By (Linguistics, related, Harvard University) for

Hokkaido International Foundation: Language and Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was wonderful.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We learned a lot of new vocabulary, but it was used daily in our conversations about modern Japanese issues. In previous Japanese classes, I had not learned very much about modern Japanese societal issues, so this was very enlightening for me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was very well-organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host family prepared kosher food for me, above and beyond the call of duty.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visit to Ainu Village in Shiraoi

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe and healthy.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget in advance.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2nd year
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

All students spoke English, but inside of the program building only Japanese was used.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure you're committed yourself to language learning. The program won't do everything for you.