My Experience in Fukuoka Japan Past Review

By (Asian Studies and Theatre, Berea College) for

Kyushu University: Fukuoka - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I learned more about myself and I realized just how much is out there and I want to travel so bad!!! People are people no matter where you go and it's so great to meet them and see things from new perspectives. Get out there and do something!!

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Fukuoka - Kyushu University Photo Direct Enrollment: Fukuoka - Kyushu University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was pretty light compared to what I'm used to but it really gave me a chance to get out and experience the country and culture more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The trips around the country that were faculty led were great. I feel like they took us to significant places and always kept us informed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room itself was great! I had my own balcony and bathroom. The kitchen was shared and kind of gross. The dorms were about 2.5 miles from campus so we had to have a bus pass or a bike. I wish it was closer.

* Food:

The quality of the food there is so healthy. I liked it a lot.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great history everywhere. The festivals that have been going on for over 700 years, the legends from over time...It was all really great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

They actually took us to a hospital where we all had a health check and there is mandatory health insurance. Japan feels very safe. Most girls have no problem walking alone at night. They have a special police force just for finding stolen bikes for goodness' sake.

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? Ah! I spent more on food than I anticipated! Be careful with how much you spend on food and make it last!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just try to be as cheap as possible and remember to ask if there are cheaper places, like Boxtown.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

My language skills improved by a lot! I could actually hold basic conversations by the time I left.

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

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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? Have fun! Get out there and see stuff!! And make friends!