Japan: I want to go back there Past Review
By Teddy Z (Economics., Towson University) for
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, I am much more outgoing and generally happier because of my time in Japan. It was a great experience and I hope I can return soon and continue traveling elsewhere in the world.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was knowledgeable, and very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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: |
Japan is very safe. If you're coming from America to Japan you don't need to think much about safety. Just don't do anything put yourself in a bad position. Also, don't try to talk to the Yakuza. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 150 dollars a week. That includes food, travel, and activities such as drinking or going to shrines, shops, etc. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Nothing unexpected, but everything is more expensive in Japan at this time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | JPNS 201 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced speaking and reading & writing with fellow students from abroad and from Japan. I also went to study sessions with teachers and TA's. I found some Japanese necessary in daily life. But many people speak English in Japan, so it was easy to revert to English during conversations. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go if you are looking for the nicest people ever. |
