Do it - It's worth it. Past Review
By Sean S (Japanese Studies, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 09/09/2014 to 05/22/2015 with
Konan University: Kobe - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained the study abroad experience I always wanted.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
Fantastic Staff there to meet your needs. I didn't think I would need them much, but they are quite the asset when I did. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Homestay |
| * Food: |
Host Mom was a fantastic cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Much of it is what you make it. You can join clubs, or get involved in activities outside the school as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never thought I would get sick while I was there, but I did (stomach). Staff helped and the clinic where I went had a fun doctor. |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I like to eat...especially eat out. About +100/m |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be an adult and budget your money. |
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 |
Use as much as you want. You can travel to Japan to hangout with your Exchange friends, or make Japanese friends. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Bring a few sticks of deodorant. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | What Kansai is like. |
