Past Review
By gundamnit (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Keio University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes it was definitely worthwhile. I gained a lot of new and good memories. I also feel happier now that I'be been someplace new and doing so many things I don't have a chance to do at home. Living on my own was also fun (since many UH students still live at home, they probably don't have the opportunity to live on their own). I also thought this experience provided me with a lot of insight into not just the world around me and other cultures, but also into myself as well.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very helpful in helping me get settled in Japan and provided valuable information in certain things. They were also able to answer most of my questions and concerns. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really liked the area and it felt really safe and secure. Though it was far from the Tokyo area and took an hour to get to school, I thought that the area was good since it provided me with a place to get away from the fast pace of the city. |
| * Food: |
The food was AWESOME! The only downside to it was that most is somewhat expensive, but usually only a couple dollars more so you can deal with that. Whenever you go to a sushi place, try everything that comes around. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved meeting new people from other countries. I learned so much from them. I also liked going to the festivals that were held and the different places. The best events however, are the ones you spend with the people |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Tokyo is a very safe place. The administration warns you of different things to be cautious of and ways to get help. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Though I may not have learned any new grammer (since I was placed into Level 1) I did think that I became more confident in using what I learned in everyday conversation with native speakers and I think that is much more important than learning a lot and being too afraid to use it. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | When in doubt of what to do, ask yourself this question: "What would make a better story?" and you'll find the answer. Don't be afraid to do things that you wouldn't do back home. |
