A Unique Experience! Past Review
By Sophia Warren (California State University - Long Beach) - abroad from 04/07/2016 to 06/24/2016 with
KCP International Japanese Language School: Tokyo - Intensive Japanese Language Immersion
Other than learning the language, I was exposed to Japanese's beautiful culture and people. I learned more about myself as an individual. Language is only a barrier if you make it. 100% worthwhile!
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. |
The classes are fast-paced and solely in Japanese, so best for those genuinely trying improve their Japanese. You will learn!! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration are very accommodating and help you quickly and to the best of their ability. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mother was the reason why I have learned to love Japan so much. She opened my eyes to the culture, introduced me to many friends, and talking with her daily greatly improved my listening and speaking skills. |
| * Food: |
Japanese cuisine is so fresh and delicious! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really feel through homestay I was able to really get to know the locals and the culture. I went to several community events, parties, and met people within the area. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was a short-term stay student so I didn't have Japanese healthcare, but when I did voice concern about some shoulder pain one of the coordinators actually called a local clinic and walked with me there. |
| * Safety: |
Japan is very safe. Just be aware of your surroundings, utilize those street smarts and you'll be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
KCP is a very good language school, and I was so lucky to be paired with the coolest host mother ever. |
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) |
Japan is expensive, but with the homestay (a thousand more) you get breakfast and dinner. It's up to you how much you want to pay for lunch, but very very cheap options are available. Also, shopping was my weakness hence the bad budgeting. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat around the neighborhood! Don't go to the convenience stores every single day even if you're trying to save money. I found a sweet ramen shop a few blocks from KCP that sold basic yet fresh ramen for ¥550. Explore, you're there for a limited time! |
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 |
Class is solely taught in Japanese and the majority of your classmates won't speak English. It's up to you how much you want to practice the language outside of class. |
| 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? | Three semesters of Japanese |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make friends from other cultures in your class who don't speak English. Eat lunch with them, hang out, and engage in Japanese conversation. Also, go out of your way to practice Japanese that you've learned in class, but then again don't disturb the status quo and just walk up to strangers. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had been more solid with the Japanese I already knew. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
