Kansai Gaidai: A Unique Experience of Japan! Past Review
By Eiji M (Asian Studies; Music, Clark University) for
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I had a different experience than other students because I went there already fluent in Japanese, so it was more learning how to function by myself than refining/learning a new language. Studying at Kansai Gaidai made me want to go back to Japan to teach English.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The primary language in the dorm was English, which made it difficult to get more of a grasp of Japanese. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The university did an excellent job of providing foreign students the opportunities to practice and be immersed in the language and culture. I found that all of the necessary tools were available to students to gain fluency. One thing I would like is for more Japanese students to live in the dorms with the international students to get more interactions in the living space to speak Japanese. |
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
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be aware of the currency exchange rate at all times!!!! And prepare a fairly large amount of money in travelers checks before you leave for Japan because some unforeseen circumstances may prevent you from accessing money from your bank account. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is to be dedicate yourself to learning the language. The tools are there for you (speaking partners, home visit partners, etc.) to make the process easier. Try to minimize speaking English. |
