Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hirakata is great Past Review

By (Asian Studies, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 06/03/2015 with

Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent for what is advertised. Intense daily language course taught exclusively in Japanese and more lax lecture classes in English that meet twice a week. The professors teaching the lecture classes are very lenient and often encourage students to travel and see the country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful, all staff on hand is bilingual in English and Japanese.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was great.

* Food:

I ended up eating curry rice every day in the cafeteria because it was the cheapest most filling option.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Japanese health care is excellent. Be sure to enroll once you arrive in the country.

* Safety:

Remember to lock up your bike so that it doesnt get stolen.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a journal or a note that you update with every expense. I found myself buying snacks and drinks from vending machines more frequently than normal because the convenience is everywhere. Dont get taken in by it!

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? AP Japanese
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? The Host family housing option is the best way to advasnce your language skills outside of the classroom. You wake up and go to sleep speaking Japanese.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Daily language classes
  • Interaction between local and international students
* What could be improved?
  • Interaction between local and international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What do Japanese university students do for fun in their free time? They don't even know, so good luck figuring out how to invite them to things.

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!