Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Japan is amazing and I hope to go back someday. Past Review

By (Asian Studies/Civilization., Berea College) - abroad from 05/30/2014 to 06/29/2014 with

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about temples, the language and a lot about myself. It was worth both my time and my money.

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.

During this program you do a lot of moving around. You also have to keep up with homework, outside activities, and the temptation to wander around.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the people in Administration were amazing. They were helpful, encouraging, and great people to be around in general

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed all the places we stayed at.

* Food:

I love Japanese food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very well, but no one really got sick.

* Safety:

I felt safer in Japan than I did in America.

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)

I spent a lot of money on food...

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? have a budget of what your willing to spend in certain places and stick with it.

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

There was always 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? JPN 104 at Berea College
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? Don't be intimidated. Use the language and be confident in speaking it before going abroad

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?
  • Host Family
  • Food
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • more interaction with locals
  • more time to explore
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm better at saving money when it is not physically in my hand. I had to use cash a lot and I'm not good at saving my money when it's physically 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!