Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

In short, life-changing Past Review

By (English - Writing Emphasis, Berea College) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 06/30/2014 with

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. I consider myself to have family in Japan now, and made very close friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't remember off-hand, but it was a lot, because I wanted to go out to eat a lot. Someone who is less of a foodie would spend far less.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy a ton of kitschy souvenirs, and don't blow all your money on arcades and such. That's not the heart of Japan.

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? None
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? None
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? Use smartphone apps to learn the Japanese syllabary, and practice constantly while you're there. The immersion really helps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The homestay experience
  • The classes
  • Japan itself
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe more time with the hostfamily?
  • Less time in Nara
  • More in Hiroshima and Tokyo
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt adequately briefed beforehand, so no comment.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'