BCA Sapporo, Welcome to Hokkaido Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Austin College) for

Hokusei Gakuen University: Hokkaido - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course. It helped me to become a more confident person, who now is prepared to experience new people and places. Also, I'm very proud of the connections I made with those that I met there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world.

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? Everything is pre-paid. Just budget well all of your private money.

Language

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

Language acquisition improvement?

I often practiced the language in everyday situations. It is necessary in one's daily life to communicate in Japanese. However, one can survive without any use of Japanese due to much use of English to aid foreign visitors and residents.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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? I think the student that would benefit most from this program is the one that can use his free time to live out his curiosity.