THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! Past Review
By A student (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., New Mexico State University) - abroad from 01/30/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned more about myself and others, such that even though the world may seem as if no one can be trusted, many people have the same values as you do. It was an amazing experience and I hope that everyone can one day go abroad!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Don't be fooled. Just because you think the classes may be a piece of cake, they are time consuming, expecially the Japanese speaking and writing classes. However, there are plenty of resources at your disposle. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was great and helped me with all the questions/problems I had while I stayed in Japan. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I LOVED SEMINAR HOUSE 4!! It was a great experience to meet people from around the country! The kitchen was very nice, my room was great, everything was amazing! |
| * Food: |
Japanese food is the best in the world!! Even though it is very expensive, ramen, gyouza, and rice (of course) are very great meals! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like Hirakata-shi was my home. I went to many concerts that friends invited me to, hung out at Japanese hot spots, and mingled with the locals. You will feel very accepted, even if you are stared at alot. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any serious health issues while in Japan, but my friend was very well taken care of when she sprained her ankle at Mount Hiei. |
| * Safety: |
Japan is a very safe country! As long as you don't go out at night by yourself in the city, you will always feel safe. I walked out of the seminar house many times by myself and nothing ever happened. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It was easy because of my parents. However, I will say if you don't have money or parents to back you, you could be living off of mizo soup the rest of your life lol. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend all of your money going to karaoke bars, concerts, and hanging out with friends. It can drain your money quick and there are ways to not spend money and still have fun. |
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 |
Since I had a Japanese spoken class, they always encouraged us to mingle with students. Also, through being in that class, I was able to increase my skills when I was out and about in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara. |
| 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? | Elementary Japanese 101 |
| 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 best way to practice is to go out in Japan and just speak to people. You will need to speak with citizens when you buy groceries, shop, are at a resturaunt, and even with friends. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Nothing, it was better to find my way on my own. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Philosophy |
| Course Department: | Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Hanagan |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Philosophy was a GREAT class at Kansai Gaidai University. Even though it was very mentally challenging, it provided you with alot of knowledge so that you can view the world in a different light. There was a field trip to Mount Hiei where we were able to learn about its ancient history and see buddhist monks. Mr. Hanagan was very knowledgeable about the subject and loved what he was doing. It was fun to listen to him and his many stories about culture. I believe I participated in class the same as I would at my home institution, and I did very well in the class. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No, I got credit for this class at my home institution. |
