A trip to remember full of limitless opportunities. Past Review
By Ericah Martinez (Berea College) - abroad from 06/01/2019 to 07/01/2019 with
KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)
I gained culture knowledge, fashion sense, confidence and some language skills in Japanese. Yes, the experience was worth every single penny!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much both in and out of the classroom about the culture, the landscapes, religion and social cues. The professors and Yoko really did a great job of incorporating a curriculum that went hand in hand with what we were seeing in the real world. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Yoko was so so organized and quick to respond to any questions/ concerns we had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Hotels were all clean and the host families house were so great. Everywhere i went i felt welcome and the locations were so convenient and near everything. |
| * Food: |
There were so many choices that fit all dietary needs and was all very affordable! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt really included we got to be independent and really see what life was like in Japan. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was kind of hard to find medicine for allergies but it was mostly a language barrier. |
| * Safety: |
I felt to safe and there were no moments I felt were sketchy. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Japan was so so great and I definitely plan to go back! There were so many things I wish I could go back and do ! |
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 spent close to $1000 on the trip but this was with extra excursions and meals. However it was very possible to fit the student budget. I would give it a 4.5, Japan was very affordable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent an extra $100 each week I would say! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving as soon as possible ! |
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 |
It was highly encouraged but you could get by without using Japanese. |
| 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? | Japanese 101 |
| 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? | Study common sentences/ questions. Know your greetings and apology words and simple phrases.Find someone that speaks the language and practice alot! |
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 to take the transportation in Japan and how to speak a little more. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Shinto into Japanese life |
| Course Department: | Religion |
| Instructor: | Steve Watkins |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a great course with a decent amount of reading but the material was so so interesting and there were class trips too. The teacher connected the material with knowledge we could understand. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | The religion perspective transferred well. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intro to Japanese Learning |
| Course Department: | JPN |
| Instructor: | Makoto Nakamura |
| Instruction Language: | English/ Japanese |
| Comments: | This was my favorite class that I have ever taken before. The material was so interesting and made you want to keep learning more. The things you learn you start seeing everywhere and making great connections. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | It was pretty easy to transfer. |
