Japan: Be Ready for Surprises Past Review
By Alanna G (Global Studies/ Japanese Language and Literature, University of the Pacific) for
Kwansei Gakuin University: Nishinomiya - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I was able to vastly improve my language skills and experience daily home life while in Japan. Since I am still studying abroad, I cannot wait to travel, love living with my family, and meeting new people. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
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. |
The courses taught in English are very easy. If you are used to long essays then you will have no problem. Just make sure you don't wait to the last minute. Courses which don't have essays are even more easy. All you have to do is go to class and take notes and you will pass with no problem. This is helpful since the intensive language courses can be difficult at times and have a big work load. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
KGU has English speaking members in almost all departments. The most useful is CIEC. They are trained to answer any questions and are available most of the time. For times that the office is not open, they provide you with the CIEC Mobile contact information in case of emergencies. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed into a host family that lived in an apartment 10 from school. They apartment was small but comfortable. Unfortunately it was near a cemetary but it was close to small parks and plenty of greenery. I was close to two train stations making it easy to go out on weekends. My host family was very kind and helped ease me into life with them. They asked how they could make things more comfortable (how often do I do laundry, when would I like to bathe, etc.) Eventually I felt like on of the family. (I even got lectured a bit but it was helpful in learning proper manners and customs. Although it didn't make me all that happy) |
| * Food: |
My host family was very accomodating of my Lactose-intolerance. They also asked what I liked and did not like. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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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 tried to keep food expenses under 5 dollars a day on average. I was provided meals by my host family making it possible to live on under 20 dollars a week. (Although I did spend more in dollars due to the exchange rate between the dollar and the yen.) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You will have to pay for housing/program fees at least 4 times. You will also be responsible for textbooks and school supplies. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4th Semester Japanese |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
If you decide to be in a host family, you will use Japanese everyday. In your Japanese language classes the teachers teach in Japanese (don't worry they go slow) and require you to ask questions in Japanese as best as you can. I found my listening comprehention and speaking improved dramatically. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make sure you understand the culture as best you can before entering it. I knew that while in Japan that as a woman I would have to alter my behavior and that it was expected of me to be politer, humbler, and more conservative. I think understanding this before you go will help make your time more rewarding and enjoyable. |
