Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Crazy, Fun, Exciting Semester in Japan 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?
It was great! I loved being able to make friends with locals and also with other students from the US as well as other countries around the world. Some classes were truly meetings of the minds and it was really nice to hear from different people, each with a different take on the world.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? How much money you spend really depends on the week and what I did but I would say about, $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You are responsible for you own food for lunch. It is also a good idea to be prepared to pay for meals on the weekends.

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? Intermediate
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get out there! Have fun and really try to speak the language! Don't worry about mistakes!