Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Time in Japan Past Review

By (University of Idaho) - abroad from 01/07/2017 to 03/25/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond the language component, I learned a great deal about myself. Not only in being able to plan out this grand trip, but also about my strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I feel that I am more independent as a result of studying abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This is a very intense course, but there is much to gain from it. If you stick to the academics and put forth the effort, you shall benefit greatly from the difficulty of the course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While I am comfortable with living in tight quarters, it did get a little overbearing at times. Thankfully, it is really easy to get out and do something.

* Food:

I was astounded by how cheap (relative to my planned budget having been in other countries before) the food was. Finding food, and good food at that, was not a problem around the Ikebukuro dorms.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I loved walking around and getting feel of the local culture myself, I did wish we could get more exposure in a classroom setting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My one notable story about this was when I was feeling fairly sick one day. I was worried about having to go to a hospital, but nervous about being able to talk with the staff there. Thankfully, the dorm manager was beyond kind and took time out of his schedule to take me to a nearby clinic where I was able to get some medicine and get better rather quickly.

* Safety:

Quite frankly, I felt safer in Tokyo than I had anywhere else in the world. Not once did I worry about any harm coming to me, in any way, shape, or form.

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

Quite frankly, I am considering returning to further my language skills even more.

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)

I budgeted around ~$100 a week, and often found myself below budget most weeks.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? While saving enough money to live comfortably is very important, try to bring a little extra to spend on fun stuff.

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

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? Elementary Japanese II
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 sure you have a solid base understanding of the language. This way, you can more easily build off of what you know.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Intense Focus on the Language
  • Being in Tokyo
* What could be improved?
  • More conversation with locals/Japanese students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Culture shock will hit you, no matter what. I remember on the fourth day of the program wishing that I could just go home. Before I knew it however, instead of counting down the days I had before I could go home, I was counting down the days left I could stay there.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!