Japan: rewarding through active engagement Past Review
By Michael D (International Relations and Affairs., University of the Pacific) for
Kwansei Gakuin University: Nishinomiya - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Challenging but worth it. Reshaped some of my views and understanding. Better educated in Japan's way of life and thinking.
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. |
The language courses are good. The electives depends as only a number of them you actually learn. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people at the CIEC office are very helpful with any concerns or questions about the university and life in japan. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host family was very kind and engaging. Even though i live an 1hr away from the University, I find commuting to be safe, easy, and convenient. |
| * Food: |
In Japan, portions are smaller than in the US. The the lack of bulk sizes means things are bit more expensive but, the quality is incomparable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Certain classes have field trips. Various University clubs/ circles. |
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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? | 50 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The standard of living in Japan is higher than in US. Expect things to be more expensive. |
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? | Advance Japanese |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Living with a host family, I was able to use the Japanese lessons learned in class in everyday interactions. Meeting people at the university helped me as well. |
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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