Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun but busy Past Review

By (Mesa Community College) - abroad from 10/04/2019 to 12/21/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So many friends! And I learned a lot about the language

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.

Busy but very rewarding! I learned so much, and as long as you keep up with studying you won't fall behind. The teachers are extremely helpful and always happy to explain a grammar point or vocabulary term.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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)

It can be difficult, but definitely doable!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $50 on lunches a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't give in to impulse purchases! There are so many cool things when traveling, but think twice before you make a purchase. Not only does it come out of your wallet, but it takes up space in your luggage too

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 201
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? Dont be afraid to talk and make friends! Making a language mistake can be embarrassing but it's great practice!

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

  • 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?
  • Academic rigor
* What could be improved?
  • Evening classes are rough
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't need to pack so much

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!