Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Japan: Please Let me Go Back Past Review

By (Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska- Lincoln) for

ISEP Exchange: Nagoya - Exchange Program at Chukyo University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academically, this was not worthwhile. But it opened my eyes to the world, gave me lifelong memories and relationships, and let me cross so many things off of the bucket list.

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.

The course work was much easier than I was used to. That gave me more time to enjoy myself and less time doing homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Center at Chukyo University was exceptional. They helped with anything and everything. They also planned various trips around Japan for the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great to live near your classmates. The apartment was small and did not have any cookware, and they even forgot to give me a chair, but I didn't need to spend much time in there.

* Food:

I received a food stipend. Eating out in restaurants was possible, but a bit tough on the budget. It probably would have been best to invest in some cookware.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So many memories. A trip to Nagano prefecture, a trip to Nagoya Castle, the school festival. A wonderful time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I needed maybe two vaccinces to enter Japan. The healthcare system is wonderful. They even had an English speaking hospital nearby. I didn't have any use for healthcare, though. As for safety, there is probably no safer place than Japan.

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?

The most effective way to learn the language was to take what I learned from class, and practice it with a friend or tutor. Most people wanted to practice their English with me, so you need to have the confidence to use your new language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with the international students.
  • Going on the planned trips.
* What could be improved?
  • The quality of study.
  • The credit transfer process.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it. And while you are abroad, try to live in the present. You will see your family and loved ones soon enough. Just enjoy the experience to the fullest.