Tokyo: My Time Abroad Past Review
By Tiara T (Interntaional studies, Asian Concentration, Illinois Wesleyan University) for
IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture
Because this was my first time abroad, I had no idea what to expect, so I went in with an open mind. And now, although I am still greatly interested in Japan, I have a desire to visit and experience as many cultures as possible
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Meikai University |
| 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. |
Because I had enrolled in the language Intensive program, Japanese class was held four days a week, three hours a day. There were moments when things became stressful because the teachers could not speak nor understand English; looking back, however, this served only to improve our ability to successfully communicate, forcing us to draw upon all that we learned |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administrators were very supportive and always available if you need assistance with anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a host family with another student from my program. We didn't need to buy anything; our host mom provided us with everything we needed (down to chopsticks and an adorable shower caddy to leave in the shower room). Our neighborhood was very quiet and safe and about a 20 minute walk away from the train station; I was lucky in that my university was in the same city and about a 15-20 walk away! |
| * Food: |
My host mom made me breakfast and dinner every day! Also, the other student with me was a vegetarian; our mom made sure to adjust meals for her. One bakery that you can find anywhere is "Vie de France". It's very affordable and the pastries are EXCELLENT! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Visiting Tokyo Tower is a must; I went late evening on a rainy night, actually, and it was extremely beautiful. This program also offers several group trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened, even when walking outside a night (usually heading home from the train station). I didn't need to go to the hospital for anything, but I had a friend who did the IES staff was there to help her |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
With the program, you were given the option of having and e-pal (whom you could contact by email before the start of the program), and were required (for the language intensive program) to meet with a conversation partner once a week; the partner is chosen for you after your arrival. Also, I stayed in a homestay in which a little English was spoken, but most communication was in Japanese. Although not many people speak English, most signs in buildings and other places have the English translation. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program can give you the independence you are looking for, but it also provides help and guidance for those who want and/or need it. Your housing placement may not be in a bustling area, but you are always a train ride away from Tokyo or another high-traffic area |
