My dream come true Past Review
By A student (Berea College) - abroad from 01/17/2017 to 05/24/2017 with
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program
Definitely worthwhile. I learned that there is so much to learn and love in the differences between cultures and people. How could someone not want to spread their wings and see the world? I was so happy to be able to experience a part of the world that was so far from my own. I gained confidence in myself and some of the greatest connections I may ever have in life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I feel that I really gained a lot in the way of language skills because I was taking a Japanese language class and being exposed to the language in the country. I feel that I gained better experiences from personal excursions. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The big administration was a little unorganized and kind of left new students wondering how to do things but the abroad staff were very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my house and felt very comfortable. Would have loved not having to pay for laundry but that's ok. |
| * Food: |
Japanese food is a blessing and I hope that more people venture out to try it before passing judgement. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You integrate yourself or have the community reach out to you. I felt very at ease in Japan and would love to have explored more to see more of its hidden charm. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Easily accessible and the school even sent someone to the doctor with my friend and I. I did not feel any apprehension with the health care. A little expensive for medication but I was ok with that because of how kind the hospital and pharmacy staff were. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened while I was in Japan. If you act kindly and with respect towards the Japanese and their lifestyle then they are more than willing to return the favor. My one piece of advice would be of course to travel with at least one friend, just to be safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved the city I was in and the people there. Although the classes were a little lack luster for me, I just really loved getting in touch with Japan and its people and experiencing life there. I got to see so much of the country because of my central location and really I couldn't have asked for anything more but to see the Japan I had been dreaming of |
Finances
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* 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) |
Japan is quite an expensive country but for the most part I did well at budgeting my funds. I just figured what I could and couldn't afford based on what it was I wanted more. Did I need more groceries or did I want one last trip around Japan? Let's just say the last week of groceries was tight but I have so many good memories of travel. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between 70 to 100 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to travel at any point, start saving now! Even if your trip isn't for 3 years, save now so that you know you'll have the money for the things you want to do. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 3 semesters of 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? | Just study often. Study when you are cooking. Study during commercial breaks. Read flashcards between classes. And talk to people using the lanuguage you're learning. The best practice is speaking and even if you mess up it's ok. At least you tried and you can learn from that |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known how much I was going to love being in Japan so I could have prepared more to be able to travel farther and make more memories. |
