Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Learning Experience Past Review

By (Swarthmore College) - abroad from 01/01/2016 to 05/26/2016 with

IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live comfortably in another country very unlike my own and improved my Japanese skills. It was definitely a worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The languages courses, particualarly the writing/reading classes, were very intensive. The courses could have been organized better, however.

* 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?

Even if you don't speak enough Japanese to explain your injury/sickness, the doctors and nurses try their best to accommodate you.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

IES was a very supportive program that offered many perks (field trips, cultural excursions, etc.) that other programs do not have.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately 10 dollars (1000 yen) a day on food and others
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go around spending your money on extra food and random things without any checks and balances. You blow through your budget quickly that way.

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? Half of second-year Japanese
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? Talk to people. You become better at speaking by talking outside of class, though class definitely helps with literacy.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • field trips
  • the food
  • English tutoring
* What could be improved?
  • class scheduling
  • class structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to make mistakes when speaking the language. Japanese people tend to appreciate it if you try, even if you make some errors, and will help you out. Don't be too intimidated to talk.

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 Linguist
You 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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Japanese Art and Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Inherently interesting material, but a dry, uninteresting lecture. It would probably be far more interesting of a class if the professor was allowed to teach it in Japanese instead of English.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Japanese Foreign Policy
Course Department:
Instructor: Potter
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A lecture/discussion based course with a very enthusiastic professor and interesting final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: