Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Experience July 30, 2025

By (Japanese Language, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/22/2025 to 07/05/2025 with

IES Abroad: Tokyo - Tokyo Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an understanding of Japanese culture and language on another level, but most importantly, I made meaningful connections and met people I'm glad to be keeping in touch with.

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.

I enjoyed my education and thought my professors were very considerate and helpful. There were many resources outside my class including help from student volunteers, staff, and even people I met there who just wanted to help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff for this program are so lovely. It was amazing getting to know them and experience all the fun opportunities they set up for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were very comfortable and convenient.

* Food:

Food wasn't included in this particular program (aside from a few shared meals), but I found it easy to find food on my own and with friends.

* 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

I am very grateful for the things I was able to experience and learn and for the people I met and continue to stay in touch with.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say try not to cram too much into your time. Prioritize the things you want to do and if meals in your program aren't included, that's another thing to consider. For me, I had to consider food, transportation, and general activities/purchases. Depending on what kind of activities you want to do, I think budgeting is manageable.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I took about six semesters before I went.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Meeting people helps a lot. Practicing with friends, staff, and local people who are willing to talk is very helpful. I ended up making friends with some local Japanese students at an alumni event, so speaking to then was helpful and fun.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field Trips
  • Cultural Activities
  • Meeting People
* What could be improved?
  • Meals (maybe more things could be included in the future)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel like I knew a lot, I didn't find myself completely lost. Maybe more specifics about how classes would be taught beforehand and what kinds of materials we would need.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!