IES in Tokyo: Epic. Past Review
By Anish T (International Studies, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) for
IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture
All in all, the study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. Aside from learning from distinguished professors and language instructors, I was also able to take in all of Tokyo in a short while. This was thanks to our strategic placement, useful assistants, and overall efficiency of the program. I definitely recommend it!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was excellent and centralized, so students only needed to walk to their classes. The National Youth Olympic Center provided classroom space, dormitories, and was close to Shibuya! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program assistants were American, and were thus very easy to relate to / communicate with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The National Youth Olympic Center is quite old, and the rooms are a bit small, but being able to walk to Shibuya or Harajuku is amazing. Being in close quarters with the other students was also quite fun! |
| * Food: |
Delicious places to dine, and program assistants to assist you in finding the right place. Also, IES does hook you up with free breakfast passes, AND does cater all the major events with delicious options like sushi! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The size of the student body (about 40-50) is perfect to find your own group/niche. Furthermore, the tours held by the program assistants show you places like the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara (electric district) with excellent direction. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The IES program |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The host family experience (5 days) reinforced concepts learned in language class. I thoroughly benefitted from being in Japan as well. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get ready for an excellent experience, should you choose to make it one. Take advantage of the amazing location of NYC, and enjoy Yoyogi Park / incredible Tokyo nightlife, as both are walking distance. Also, the trips to Nikko and Kamakura are amazing and well-coordinated. |
