Challenging But Rewarding Past Review

By (International Affairs And Commerce, University of the Pacific) for

Kwansei Gakuin University: Nishinomiya - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Japanese improved greatly. My knowledge of the Japanese culture and society greatly increased as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to pay a lot for transportation, and a reasonable amount on phone and insurance bills. Japan is very 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? Japanese Advance I
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

My assigned Japanese partners, my host family, and my Japanese school friends. I had to use Japanese every day to speak with my host family, however at school, a lot of the people I interacted with could speak English.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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? Students who want to learn as much as they can in the Japanese Language, as well as a bit about the culture and society, should take the Intensive Language Program provided in this study abroad program. Students should also take advantage of the host family option offered as it is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and language.