Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Choice! Past Review

By (Florida State University) - abroad from 06/23/2013 to 08/15/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was completely worthwhile. Before coming to Japan, I was able to read and write well, but my listening and speaking skills were nonexistent. Now, I feel very comfortable asking for directions, talking to a waiter about my food allergies, or asking my teacher questions.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The language classes are tough- there is a lot of homework and the tests require much studying, but because of this, I have learned so much and greatly improved my work ethic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family, and KCP did an absolutely perfect job pairing me! My host family was incredibly kind, was able to accommodate to my allergies, and made me feel like a part of the family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

There are a lot of very cheap places to eat in Japan! I often ate at this udon shop across the street from school where I could get lunch for only 280 yen!

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

The teachers only speak Japanese and do not understand English, so this truly was a great opportunity to practice speaking.

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? Japanese 4
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Host family
  • Teachers
  • International classmates
* What could be improved?
  • Work load
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? .

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.