Past Review
By Daniel W (Asian Studies/Civilization., Berea College) for
Kyushu University: Fukuoka - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I feel I have a slightly better understanding of Japan, and some perspectives of other Asian cultures.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Kyushu University |
| 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 workload was relatively light until the end, and then it was fairly intense. The focus is more on the overall educational/cultural experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrative staff was excellent. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Ryuugakkusei Kaikan in Kashiihama. It was a decently nice neighborhood. It is a mixture of an apartment complex and dormitory. <br /><br /> It was a nice neighborhood and was a nice facility, but is an old facility. |
| * Food: |
They were very accommodating to my dietary restrictions, but it was still a challenge in Japan. For those who are Vegetarian, Japan will be a challenge because they use fish (to some degree) in nearly everything. Mana Burgers, though is a taste of Americana in pure vegetarian form and is quite delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was always something going on. If you are sociable you can take your pick. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
They tested our overall health and thought something was wrong with me. They quickly responded and found that it was nothing. Japan is an extremely safe country. I feel I may have been spoiled by being there. You only really have to "worry" about your bicycle if you get one. |
| 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? | Food can be quite expensive. It is not unreasonable to spend $300 a month. If you look around you can find reasonably priced souvenirs as well. I recommend not buying too much on the main street in Dazaifu (but there are side shops that are well priced. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you join any activities make sure you ask any and all questions you can. Investigate it as fully as possible because they or may not fully disclose the details of the club to you. Which can end up costing you extra if you buy gear for the club, but find you are unable to participate. |
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? | 103 (or third level at my University) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
You really have to get out and interact. The University offers really great options (Host family, conversation partners, tutor, etc) to assist you, but you have to really engage and get out. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Most students can benefit, but I think a true appreciation for Asia and Japan in particular will greatly help you. It was a wonderful experience. |
