Studying in Japan: A Fun Learning Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very small as I only took four classes. The lecture classes only had readings and a few papers each. Homework for the Japanese classes was minimal-a few workbook pages, worksheets, and listening comphrehension exercises a week. I learned much more in this semester in my Japanese classes than I learned in a semester at my home school's Japanese class, because we moved much faster.

On-site administration of your program

The staff of the international program was very nice. The student workers were always willing to help, and directed us to the proper authority when they couldn't help us. They were avaliable Monday through Friday, and the office was usually open before I arrived in the morning and still open when I left the campus, sometimes quite late at night.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay experience was very positive. The neighborhood was safe-there was an elementary school nearby, and many children in the area. When I saw the neighbors they were polite. My host family was also very welcoming. I was mostly treated as a guest in the family. For instance, I was served first at dinner, and not allowed to help clear the table or wash dishes. Also, Okaasan wouldn't let me pay for the house slippers she said I should have. She also insisted on buying me my own set of chopsticks, rice bowl, cup,and seat cushion. Lately, though, I have began to help set and clear the table,though Okaasan still doesn't let me help her wash the dishes. As my Japanese has improved and I've overcome my shyness, I've been able to have many conversations with Okaasan and Otoosan. Otoosan mostly wants to know about American customs, and Okaasan mostly talks about her concerns or daily life. I don't always understand what is said, but we communicate fairly well.

I don't have any dietary restrictions, and they were very observant with my likes and dislikes. I made my own breakfast everyday, usually toast with jam or butter or this odd mayonaise/corn spread which Okaasan bought for me. For the weekend lunches, she always asked me what I would like to eat, but I usually told her anything would be okay, and was served ramen or udon. She said it was instant food, and not very good and would appologise, but I quite liked it and told her so! The only food I really didn't like that was served often, was almost whole fish, with only the head missing. The reason I didn't like it had nothing to do with the taste or presentation, but it was very hard to get the tiny bones out of the meat using only chopsticks. It took a lot of effort for only a little bit of meat. They were very insistant on giving me the largest portions of meat, which I found a bit odd.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My speaking partner was very nice, and I enjoyed hanging out with her. She and a group of her friends arranged a trip into Kyoto to make Yatsuhashi, a type of Japanese cake. I met a lot of people on that trip! We had fun making the cake and eating in, taking picutres all the while. I also went to karaoke several times, which is something we don't have in America, so that was an interesting experience. My only social complaint would be that many of the Japanese English majors have to ask the international students questions for homework. Some days I was not allowed to eat my lunch or relax in the student lounge without feeling bombarded with the same questions over and over again.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I've never felt like I was in any danger, despite the many warnings given during orientation week. I've only been sick once this semester. I caught a 24 hour bug which resulted in a prolonged headache and nausua/throwing up. I spent most of the day in bed, asleep. Okaasan would have taken me to the hospital if I hadn't been better by the time she got home from work that evening. The school also called that same night to check up on me and give me advice about how to avoid being sick in the future and what to do if I am.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced language with my host family, Japanese friends and students I met, in class, and with international students outside of class, shop owners, strangers. The program highly encouraged my to improve my language acquistion.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• The many learning oppurtunities.
• The hard work and attention to detail of the staff.

• Japanese students wanting to speak in Japanese as well as English.