Japan is wonderful, however very VERY expensive Past Review

By Golden G (International/Global Studies., University of Hartford) for

IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was so worth it. Nothing can describe the amount of knowledge and lifelong friendships I have gained. Japan was a wonderful trip, however very VERY expensive. More scholarships should be given!!

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	It was a great learning experience.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The strenghts of the program are very friendly and helpful staff, good courses, and very friendly campus/local students. The weaknesses were no specific meal plans, unplanned for travel expensives (which were paid for out of pocket), lack of campus resources for research papers.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Wanted my own bathroom, too far from friends and campus!
* Food:	No meals on SUNDAYS. No meal plan like the states, had to pay for lunch everyday out of POCKET!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I LOVED my program, no matter how many things I disliked. There were more ups than downs. I would do it all again if I had the chance!!
* 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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Between 500 to 1,000 dollars are month. JAPAN IS VERY VERY EXPENSIVE!!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Be prepared to spend more than what you could even IMAGINE.