Japan : Something Completely Different Past Review
By Nauder N (Plan Ii, The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture
I honestly learned a lot about myself while being in Japan. I learned what part of me I felt was truly defining and what part existed in the context of American culture. I also learned a lot about the American mindset by being surrounded by a completely different. I would say more, but that would spoil it for those of you hoping to go.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was fair and helpful and Hoshi sensei (our professor) was knowledgeable. His teaching method was more laid back than I'd experienced in the states, but this was neither a boon nor a bane in my opinion. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was always accessible, informative, and friendly. I was blown away by how helpful they were and how smoothly everything ran. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While I was happy to be in the heart of Tokyo, I was a bit disappointed to be staying in a Youth Hostel instead of an actual dormitory. I was unable to prepare any of my own food or really get comfortable in any way. |
| * Food: |
While I adore Japanese food, it would have been nice to have some kitchen facilities so that I could prepare my own meals as well (at a reasonable price). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I thought the program-led field trips ranged from extremely interesting (going to see a Kabuki play) to downright asinine (a class expedition to the dollar store0. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Tokyo is extremely safe as long as a little common sense is used. Basically, don't put yourself in a state where your wits aren't about you, and it's almost impossible to get in trouble. Health wise, I am allergic to tobacco. Japan is less restrictive with smoking than the US, so this was a little difficult for me. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money for transportation. It's very expensive and very necessary. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Second Year Japanese |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice Japanese mostly with my native friends in Tokyo and with my instructor. It was difficult to speak Japanese with the American students because everyone had a different level of Japanese skill and English was too comfortable and option for some people to turn down. During my week of homestay, my host family spoke no English. This was immensely useful and helpful in increasing my fluency. |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Use your Japanese! If you wanted to speak English, stay home! It's cheaper! |
Individual Course Reviews
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