Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Trip! Past Review

By (La Roche College) - abroad from 05/09/2017 to 05/17/2017 with

La Roche College: Japan - Exploring Cultural Geographies, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to experience another culture that was so different, but so much fun. I was able to see things that I couldn't see working in America be so functional and accepted widely in another culture. It was definitely worthwhile!

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?

Our hotel was a good size for being in Tokyo. We were close to shopping, and a few minutes walk away from the train station. A lot of restaurants were nearby, also. Attached to the hotel was a convince store, which was really nice! Hotel staff was very helpful and nice.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a few opportunities to spend time with people living in the area, but I wish there were more. Although we were only there for about a week, so there was a time constraint with everything else we had planned.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't have any experience with the local healthcare; however, there were no vaccines were needed for the program.

* Safety:

No issues with safety during the trip. Walking down the street, I felt safe, even at night.

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

Even though we were only there for a week, we were able to do a lot! We visited a local university and worked with students, visited several shrines, tried different foods, and visited many shopping areas. Even if I go back to Japan, I won't be able to have the same experiences as I had going with this group through the program.

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)

With most meals being provided it helped with saving money. Also, sight seeing places that cost to get is was covered by the program. We were also given cards for the train with money preloaded on it. If you are on a budget, it's possible but souvenirs took up most of the money I brought.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible walk or use the train. Taxis can be expensive compared to the train. You don't need to go to someplace expensive to find something worth seeing in Japan.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Different Opportunities
  • Allotted free time
  • Different Foods at Meals
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More basic knowledge of the language. Maybe an explanation on how to use the train system.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.