Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Option if you are serious about learning Japanese November 14, 2024

By (Japanese, Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 01/06/2023 to 11/06/2024 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
First I gained the ability to communicate effectively in Japanese. However I also gained the value experience of living in a foreign country and being immersed in a different culture. That experience is basically priceless.

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.

* 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

Yes, I believe KCP prepared me well for living in Japan. I would definitely take the same courses again if I could do it all over again.

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)

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Japanese 2
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? Talk to people in Japanese as much as possible. Do not fallback on your native tongue unless you absolutely have to. This is the best way to get used to thinking and responding in Japanese

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Focus on Speaking
  • Language Support
  • Emphasis on total Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • More focus on JLPT prep
  • Prior notice on the difference between Beginner and Intermediate Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would wish to know how the program focuses more on EJU test prep over JLPT. That way I would have known to do more JLPT self study on my own.

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!