The interesting and strange Past Review

By (Technology and Applied Design, Berea College) - abroad from 06/01/2015 to 06/30/2015 with

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is better to immerse yourself in another culture when given the opportunity. I learned so much about Japan while I was there, as opposed to reading a book. The locals will always know more than what a book or magazine describes. Overall, I would come back and live there if I could.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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 am not sure but I do know that it was not too cheap.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Come with less of an appetite or have a lot more money. Food was served in smaller portion and the cost was the same if not more than american value.

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? I completed Spanish courses but that did not help me in Japan (once it helped a little).
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? It is always better to know at least a basic amount of the language before traveling.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Food
  • Host family
  • Language practice
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of temple visiting needs to be redused
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? We would not be in Tokyo for very long and food would be way more expensive than I prepared for.