Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Omi Comforts Past Review

By (Northern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/11/2015 to 05/25/2015 with

JCMU Japan Center: Faculty-led Short Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Besides knowledge of Japanese history, appreciation for local history overall especially in smaller urban and rural areas

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

* 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

Enjoy learning in depth about Japanese history in a localized setting away from major urban areas like Shiga Prefecture

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Taking off-academic year seasonal gigs to save up as a budget. Also setting up a budget to cover costs helps.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 Research
  • Academic Work
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Extend program length
  • Possible excursions into other nearby areas beside Shiga and Kyoto
  • Collaboration and greater academic interaction between study abroad and local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People are more than willing to assist you in times of aid despite language and cultural barrier.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.