A wholesome experience that facilitated personal growth in a new challenging way Past Review
By A student (Brookdale Community College) - abroad from 10/06/2017 to 12/22/2017 with
KCP International Japanese Language School: Tokyo - Intensive Japanese Language Immersion
While studying abroad I created many friends and forged many relationships that I will continue to keep for the rest of my life. During my time abroad I learned to be more open minded to different cultures. Having been exposed to not only the Japanese culture, I have become more acquainted with other cultures, like Chinese and Korean, through the students I met in the program who originated from those areas. The experience as a whole was worthwhile and allowed me to grow as a person and as an individual.
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. |
This program was highly intensive and fast passed with courses 5 days a week. The institution offered copious amounts of resources in regards to additional study needs, for those who needed it, making it simple to get help when needed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My home stay family was one of the best parts about my experience. Everyone in my house, and even the extended family, treated me as if I was one of them. The amazing home cooked meals were also a big plus! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Integrating with the local culture was one of the most challenging aspects about the experience. The culture differences and language barrier make it difficult, but not impossible, to make new friends and connections with the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Participating in this program was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life as of yet. The staff at the institution were always prepared and willing too help with any of my needs, whether academic or other. The program was highly intensive, allowing me to hone my Japanese skills at a fast rate. My favorite part of my experience was being able to meet as my people as I did. I formed connections with people from all over the United States, as well as from all over the world. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. |
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) |
While it is possible to get by with low amounts of funding, having money to spend always heightened the experience, and created new opportunities to do or try new things. Wanting to buy new foods to try, or paying for expenses when traveling with friends can add up quickly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-150 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 200 |
| 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? | Having a host family gives plenty of opportunities to try out the new material that is learned in class. For those without a host family making friends with native speakers of the language is always a good to push your language skills. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Prior to going on this program it would have been helpful to have more guidance in regards to making native friends before the program's start, as this proved to be one of the largest challenges. |
