Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Major Changes in Minor Time Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/17/2017 to 06/01/2017 with

Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned countless social experiences and understanding of foreign cultures and mindsets. It was more than worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically, the courses provided appropriate amounts of work with a large amount of challenge. However, if I balanced my time studying, I could pass everything that was given.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was well organized. Some paperwork due dates were a bit difficult to keep up with, but it was all manageable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very understanding and helpful. They were also extremely clear and patient with me.

* Food:

The food was extraordinary in Japan. There were so many new things to try and I loved almost every new dish.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integrating with the culture was a bit of a challenge, but if a person takes time to understand the people around them and why they do what they do, it is possible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had clear insurance and instructions during orientation.

* Safety:

The place I lived in was very calm with people being able to relax and freely speak to each other.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Even with all my friends and I did, I still feel that we did not see and do everything we could have possibly done.

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)

It was easy to get simple foods and passes to ride the trains and buses, but when activities are introduced, things get even more pricey.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 2500 yen (about $22)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead and account for a margin of error. Example: Have $200 for spending and $50 saved for emergencies.

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

It was necessary for a lot of places. Generally, people could speak English, but the experience and possibilities are much greater when using a foreign language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 1
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? Find as many resources as possible to study beforehand.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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
  • 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?
  • Exploring new places and events
  • Unique classes
  • The locals were very accepting
* What could be improved?
  • More details on the bus/train systems
  • Plans for learning foreign language before.
  • Emphasis on the importance of communication with host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the buses and trains before I came to Japan. I had to learn as I go, meaning I got lost a few times.

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.