Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living the dream:Japan Edition Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 09/20/2017 to 07/25/2018 with

Kyushu University: Fukuoka - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned intercultural communication.I learned how to communicate with someone who from a different culutre! I learned the culture, I saw the culture, I felt the culture, I tasted the culture ect... Overall, it was just a great eperience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While in Japan, I got to take many courses that challenged me as a scholar while also improving my Japanese. Half of the classes were taught in Japanese while the other half in English making some of them difficult to succeed in, but overall, it was a great experience and would love to do it again.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Whenever we were in need of something or had a question, we could always count on our program cordinator.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms were poorly insulated.

* Food:

The food was fantastic, especially the ramen!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many different events that I was able to participate in with my program like rice planting, and going to the osen (public bath)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any healthcare problems while in Japan.

* Safety:

The safest place I know! I could walk down the street with my headphones in and not be worry about be robbed. I could leave my wallet or luggage somewhere and no have it stolen.

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

The program that I was in for the year had integrated different culutral aspects of Japan into our progam. Meaning, we went on a lot of field trips and got to experience things that you wouldn't have on your own.

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? If you go to Japan and live in Itoshima, you can buy some special bus tickets 回数券(kai su ken) that will help you save loads on transportation.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Half of the classes were taught in Japanese and they also allowed us to take classes outside of our program with regualr Japanese students, fully immersed in the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 104 at Berea College
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field Trips
  • Faculty courses
  • Supportive staff
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm walls
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The fact that the transportation in Japan is so high, and the fact there was a way to get around it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!