Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I've been wanting to return to Japan since I left Past Review

By (Broadcasting and Digital Media Productions, University of Idaho) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

KCP International Japanese Language School: Tokyo - Intensive Japanese Language Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I not only learned more about Japanese culture and the language, and I'm feel very accomplished by the understanding I acquired by the end of my program, but I also learned so much more about myself and what I really want to do with my future because I was able to step outside of my everyday university life and really think about what I'm passionate about. I think that's one of the most important results of a study abroad experience, to really learn about who you are when you're in a culture that isn't your own. You have to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace all of the changes. It's your decision if you're willing to do that, and if you do, you'll have a highly rewarding experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was looking for something outside of my major and also a challenge with this program, and it definitely fulfilled my expectations. You definitely need to be prepared to and also want to study in order to fully process all of the things you learn in class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone at KCP was so helpful and approachable! I could go to them for help with anything, but they also encouraged students to go out and venture on their own.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked my living arrangements and the area I was in, but I was not in the KCP student dorm, so my commute from dorm was a little strenuous day after day. But I also understand that that's just part of Tokyo life. And the dorm managers were very friendly, even though I could scarcely speak with them.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely know that I stood out sometimes, but Tokyo is such a multicultural city that it was something I usually thought about. I do wish that there had been more interaction with Japanese people at KCP and not just the instructors or office staff. Maybe through a conversation class perhaps. I did do the cooking class with Japanese college students and absolutely loved it! I just wish that it was offered more frequently.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe walking alone almost everywhere in Tokyo, even the places we were told during orientation we shouldn't even go to because of the reputation of the area. Just always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Tokyo is quite and expensive city, but if you shop around, you can usually find items for a reasonable price. For example, I usually went to one grocery stores to get fruit and another to get vegetables because the prices were significantly higher in different stores.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? ￥100 shops were a life saver. They sell everything you could possibly need and are especially useful in your first few days trying to anything from notebooks to kitchen supplies and even food. Transportation-wise, if you know you're only going 1, 2, or even 3 stops on the subway and you have time, consider walking as stations are generally only 10-15 minutes apart by walking. Plus, you get to see more of the city!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We would be slightly scolded if we spoke in our native language with friends during class (explanations were okay in order to render understanding of grammar/new vocab/etc...). And I think that's one of KCP's strongest points, which was to really force and encourage students to use the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? Level 2
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? Make friends with Japanese people! It's a little difficult at KCP as, besides the instructors and office staff, there aren't many opportunities to meet people. But, try your best and be willing to talk to anyone! I also wrote a lot of sentences with the new grammar and vocab we learned and I tried to make them applicable to real life, not just some throw away sentence I'd never actually say. That also comes in handy for the in-class examples one so frequently has to give!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved the culture course and the pacing of the classes. All of my instructors were very concerned about every students' well being and understanding of class material. All were very energetic and made those 3 hour long classes really enjoyable!
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with local Japanese people and Japanese university students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt really prepared for this experience. I did a lot of research, so nothing really took me by complete surprise. Except the morning and evening rush on the trains. That was intense.