NIHON!!!!! Past Review
By A student (Asian Studies, Berea College) - abroad from 05/31/2015 to 06/29/2015 with
KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)
I learned I can do many things on my own. I still have to watch out and have help from others. I feel like I have grown up a bit from this trip.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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 |
The main administrator had everything explained to the students in a timely manner before we did any big travel excursion. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I want to go back and see my host family. |
| * Food: |
It took a little bit getting used to the food, but after a while I really enjoyed the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got to see many Japanese go about the days. I didn't really communicate a whole lot with people, since my language skills are a little rusty. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe, just know where you are at and pay attention. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I mostly stayed at the convenience stores, the food there is pretty cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | No idea. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up your money, and make sure not to spend all your money in one place. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Just in a general sense, like asking someone a question or ordering from a menu. |
| 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? | Japanese 102 |
| 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? | Read your Japanese book before you go abroad, practice with other students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more Japanese to actually talk to someone. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
