One of the Most Amazing Experiences of My Life! Past Review
By Vong L (Japanese Language and Literature, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for
IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture
I loved almost every moment of it and I still love it. I have another semester to go and I am looking forward to it! I still don't understand parts of the culture, but I like it all the same, its an adventure to go out there and find new bits and pieces of the culture that you have never seen before.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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: |
Just so you know, Japanese portions are way smaller than American portions and more expensive, so if you have a really big appetite, be prepared to spend quite a bit on food. Though there are relatively inexpensive ramen shops and tendon shops located all around the cities. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* 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? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Many of the students spoke a variety of languages, but Japanese was their native language, so you could practice with just about anybody. Most of the students were able to speak a certain level of English, but people outside the University varied far and between, from speaking lots of English to speaking no English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
