Love Japan, but never again will I go there(or anywhere else) through IES again. Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned nothing new when it came to the language and culture. The only plus side during my stay in Japan was going to concerts and meeting bands.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Japanese IJ300 Writing II Sumie Art and Culture Translation
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.

They did not let you prove how much you actually knew. Treated like you did not know a thing (even when you made a high grade on the placement test)

* 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?

Locals (especially other Nanzan student) wanted nothing to do with you if you were a foreigner (unless you were in levels 600 and 700)

* 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? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least $100

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Did not care for anything about it really.
* What could be improved?
  • Being able to contact program coordinators(?) easier
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I learned nothing new when it came to the language and culture.