Ease into Japan! Past Review
By A student (Cottey College) - abroad from 01/19/2018 to 05/28/2018 with
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program
I learned to be self sufficient and money conscious. I also learned a lot about Japan. It was definitely worth while.
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: |
You must find all of your own meals, but kitchen space, fridges and cooking utensils are provided. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I still felt rather separate from the culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I caught the flu within a week of arriving to Japan. The school drove me to the hospital and also provided me with a translator. The clinic was fast and thorough as well. |
| * Safety: |
A very safe city and campus environment. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
They take good care of their students without too much hand holding. The classes were difficult, enjoyable and incredibly informative. The campus is close to the dorms, which are close to public transport making travel easy. The Japanese students are friendly and helpful and the dorms themselves are clean, beautiful and spacious. |
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) |
Cheap food and products are readily available if you shop in convenience stores and eat at the cafeteria. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop at convenience stores. And alcohol will drain your money faster than you realize. |
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 encouraged |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Engage with waiters, shop clerks, and other people who help you in day to day life. Read signs as well. Practice with your friends too. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Give yourself space to settle in, don’t feel the need to begin doing everything right away. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
