You'll Learn a Lot from Studying Abroad, but you Shouldn't do it in a classroom Past Review
By Nicholas P (Creative Writing., Truman State University) - abroad from 04/02/2014 to 08/07/2014 with
Hosei University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Too much to list, but it was beyond worthwhile. Maybe I'm not supposed to say this on a school supported survey, but do not study abroad and spend all your time studying. That would be a horrific waste of such a great opportunity. Put yourself out there, meet new people, challenge yourself. Become stronger. Become more socially adept. Meet people, love people, debate with people. Start things, join things, appreciate things. When you have to choose between going to a party with local students and studying for your quiz the next day, you shouldn't even hesitate for a second. I'm learning this now more than ever. I've grown tremendously while I am here, and pretty well none of it because of school.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes are fun, well structured, and always reasonable. The only complaint I could possibly muster: too reasonable. More challenge would be nice, but to be sure, this is a quality school and the resources available to you are honestly staggering. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Hosei Administration has been mind-blowing. They are quick, kind, and pro-active. I've never, never, ever in my life seen administration that works so well, and cheerfully. They are legitimately interested in your success, and I consistently see them at their computers long after the office was supposed to have closed. I can't praise them enough; incredibly refreshing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Foods alright and no girls is sad plus curfew is terrible I'm 21 God bless it. BUT, all of that is trumped by the $300 a month price tag (thanks to Hosei's generous subsidizing). You can't live in a dumpster for $300 a month in Tokyo, so I can't complain. |
| * Food: |
What, you mean Japanese food? You've had it before, it's good. Besides, this isn't colonial asia we're talking about. If you really need a hamburger there's a McDonal'ds on every street corner too. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Put yourself out their and be wise about social ques, and you'll make friends. It's on you; this is true anywhere. Some people won't like you, find the ones that do. Yes, I've met a ton of incredible people here. Feel quite blessed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I'm healthy so... But a friend was sick and the school health center diagnosed him and gave him medicine for crazy cheap all in a few minutes. I was imrpessed. |
| * Safety: |
You're in Japan. Got to be one of the safest places on earth. I went to the "dangerous" neighborhoods and they're about as dangerous as eating at Pizza Hut. The safety is one of the best things about Tokyo. Walk around all night, anywhere, by yourself and you will have no problems. Boys, girls, I guarantee it. Just DO NOT go into any clubs run by Nicaraguans. Does that sound racist? I'm sorry if you take it that way, but you'll be more sorry when you wake up minus your wallet and jewelry. |
| 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) |
My advice is to save money beforehand and get a scholarship ;D. Sorry. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 or more. You eat out a lot, plus public transport, more food, etc. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat as many meals at the dorm as possible. I blow so much money on food here. Also, don't have a phone. This may seem anathema to you, but it's a good way to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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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? | I wish I had stayed a full year. I thought I might get homesick, but now I am dreading returning. Stay a full year, especially if you are working on learning a language. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
