Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great language program, and great friends! Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 09/02/2018 to 05/19/2019 with

IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I learn much more about Japanese and it's practical application, but also I learned a lot more about Japanese/world cultures and societies. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Photo IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Photo IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Photo IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Photo IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

The healthcare is super easy and cheap. Most doctors don't know English, but if you write English down, they'll recognize it.

* Safety:

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

The main reason I went was to improve my Japanese, and due to the rigorous language program, and other resources, I was able to do that.

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? $50

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 2
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? Make local friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Language Program
  • How easy it was to make Japanese friends
  • Being with people who cared as much as I did about Japanese
* What could be improved?
  • I was a little frustrated that the university would not step in with a roommate cleanliness issue.
  • I couldn't figure out how to enter a club.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to cook basic meals. I had never had to cook much for myself before; I highly recommend practicing some basic, cheap meals that use the common ingredients there.

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!