Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I greatly enjoyed the classes I took, both the teachers and the material.

On-site administration of your program

There were a lot of people working in the administration office, so I question whether that was efficient. However, whenever I went in with a problem they were able to help me, and when I needed to see a doctor one of the staff escorted me to the nearest clinic and helped me through the process. The staff's English ability was superb as well.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a dorm 15 minutes walk from campus with about 60 other exchange students, two Japanese RAs, and an older married couple who ran the building. Three of the four dorm buildings were situated almost next to each other, and mine was right next to a small park, which touched the town library. <br /><br /> The rooms were comfortable, the walk/bike ride to school was easy, we were situated in a normal Japanese neighborhood, and the simplicity of the dorm encouraged us to go out more.

I learned to shop and cook Japanese food, which consisted mainly of rice and vegetables. This was definitely healthier than what I'm used to, and many of us lost weight while in Japan. My stomach rebelled from the diet change for a few days but now I miss it. Dining was easy; most restaurants are small, family owned businesses and any students that can't understand the menu will benefit from the fact that most places have plastic models of what they serve in the front window.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did far too much to recall, and even now I'm still sorting through everything I did while abroad. I remember a trip with my friend to a rural area an hour away from school, where we hiked on a trail famous within Japan for the various historical places on its route. I also traveled to Tokyo after finals and enjoyed exploring that city for a 5 day period.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world; the overall crime rate is very low. Advice was given in the first week for any issues we might encounter, and the administration, as well as the couple in charge of our dorm, were always available to help.

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

My vocabulary increased some, but much more importantly I learned how to speak more colloquially, and overcame that fear every student studying language has of using that language, especially with native speakers.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• International Students