Most amazing experience of my life! Past Review
By Courtney Baker (Berea College) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 07/02/2018 with
KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)
I learned so much about Japan and about myself. It was so worth it.
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great! |
| * Food: |
I don't like fish, but I was able to find MANY things that I did like. Also, very affordable! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Majority of the people were very accepting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not experience a healthcare issue myself, but I know someone on the trip who did and she seemed very satisfied with her experience. Our program director went to the doctor with her. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe the entire time. Stay in groups! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was perfect for me and I could not be happier with how it turned out. I wish I could do it all again. |
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 did very well sticking to a student budget. After 3 and a half weeks I think I had only spent $250 US dollars. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent a little under $100 each week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely try to stick to a budget, and don't take out too much at the beginning. There are ATMs in convenience stores everywhere in case you need more. |
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 |
They tried to teach us new words and have us interact with people, but it was not mandatory. |
| 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? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | If you're not studying the language, just learn some basic terms so that you'll be able to communicate better in public, especially at restaurants. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | How the money exchange worked. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
