Life Changing Adventure Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were setup in a way that was different from my classes at an American institution. In almost all of them, the class would meet once a week for 2-3 hours. However, despite this, the coursework was decent and fun. The lessons and the professors were understanding and interesting. It was a great experience.

On-site administration of your program

The IES Abroad Tokyo Administration were amazing. They made sure that the students were able to navigate the train and bus system. They also helped the students make Japanese friends prior to even being in the country. The IES staff would check in with students frequently to see if we were adjusting okay, if we were homesick, stressed, and so on.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a homestay family for the duration of the program. My host family was an elderly couple and their cat. However, their grandson would come over to visit and eat dinner. The host family were caring and made it feel like a second home for me. I am vegan so I had a lot of dietary restrictions and my host mom patiently worked with me on that. She bought vegan cookbooks so that I would be able to eat with the family everyday. My host family helped me practice Japanese everyday and would teach me the customs and norms of Japan so I would be able to fully immerse myself in the culture.

Again I am vegan but it was much easier to find vegan options in Japan than it is in the southern states of America. There were tons of vegan restaurants and most vegetable dishes were automatically vegan. Also, Japanese food is extremely delicious and balanced.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like a local, more than a foreigner. If it were not for my brown skin and curly hair, I wondered if they would be able to tell me and another Japanese people apart. I still have unconsciously practice a lot of the Japanese etiquette even though I have returned to the U.S.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor quite a few times while I was in Japan. One of the staff members from the IES center would go with me so that they would be able to translate what I am saying to the doctor and what the doctor is asking to me. The system is slightly different compared to the one back in America but it still was a pleasant experience. I did not need any vaccines specifically for Japan.

I felt completely safe in Japan. I took a field placement course so every Wednesday, I would not get home until 9pm. It would be dark outside and there were street lights in my neighborhood but I would not be able to do this in my city in America. The IES staff put all the students in an emergency group chat so that in the event that a natural disaster happens, we can receive information on what to do. The IES staff will also have us report where we are and if we are safe.

This program opened my eyes in so many ways. It changed the way I see Japan, America, and myself. This program also helped me grow academically, socially and personally.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It is hard to say for sure because many of the students on the program came from different backgrounds. It was relatively easy for me to live on a student's budget.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program encouraged us to use Japanese everyday. Not only did we have to use it in the language class, but the course would also have us participate in performance activities. At the end of each section, we would have to have three 15 minute conversations with Japanese students at the university. It enabled us to see how much we are improving over time.

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• Host Family

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• N/A

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The IES Abroad Students and E-pals
• The Classes and IES staff
• My host family and the trips

• The duration of the classes

The Avid Adventurer