Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I could do it all over again Past Review

By (Japanese Language, Literature, Berea College) - abroad from 05/30/2015 to 06/29/2015 with

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of confidence, maturity, and communication skills. I loved the experience.

Review Photos

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer) Photo KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer) Photo KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer) Photo

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.

The classes were a little challenging but not overbearing. You can do well in classes and still have a lot of fun exploring the country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was well-organized and we always had something fun planned to do everyday.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed the host family accomodations the best. Most of the hotels we stayed at were good but not the best.

* Food:

I learned from this trip that I do not like Japanese food. The food was in good quality and others enjoyed it. I just personally did not like it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt fully engulfed into the culture during the entire stay. Everyone was welcoming and my host family stay really brought me into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The cities were relatively safe. As long as you do not walk alone at night in a bad area, you should be fine.

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)

You will probably need $100 a week to live comfortably and do and eat what you want. I brought this much and it was the perfect amount for me during the trip.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just know your budget and do not go over 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

My Japanese class, host family, and daily interactions encouraged me to use as much of the language as I could.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? one year
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? Just use it as much as you can and it's okay if you make a mistake. The Japanese people are very forgiving and encouraging. They rather you try to use Japanese than they have to use English :)

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
  • Host Family
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
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Better living conditions
  • Better food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy and live everyday one day at a time.

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!