Learning From the Japanese Perspective Past Review
By Emily W (Japanese Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/02/2015 to 07/18/2015 with
IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University
I gained a better perspective of the every day life of the Japanese and how tradition and culture are integrated into modern day life. I also improved in my Japanese listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to a 3rd semester level. From what I academically and culturally learned to the friendships I made with local, international, and fellow American students, I think this trip was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Japanese education system was much more rigorous than Brandeis's Japanese program or anything that I was used to. It took some time to get used to, but the amount of learning was worth it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All faculty and staff were very helpful and friendly. However the lack of English speakers, made it difficult to talk about personal issues or problems with classes and such. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The suite style living in the Nagoya Koryu Kaikan was very convenient and homey. However, cleanliness upon arrival was a problem as previous students did not clean up their belongings or appliances. |
| * Food: |
Food at the cafeterias were delicious and affordable. However they are only open for lunch. Dinners and breakfasts often came from the grocery store or local convenience stores. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Navigating around Nagoya is extremely safe, day and night. The subway and streets are full of cordial people and safe environments. |
| 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) |
About maximum $50 a week |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maximum $50 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to eat out every day. It will be very tempting to try new restaurants, bars, eateries, and etc, but grocery shopping and preparing meals for dinner and lunch will be save a lot of money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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 20 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make mistakes either in the language or culture. People will understand and more than often will help you. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | How rigorous the program would be and cheaper ways to get around Japan |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
