Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By Natalie Rugg (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
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned about the Japanese culture and history as well as about myself as a traveler. This opportunity provided me with the self-awareness that traveling abroad is not as challenging as I initially expected - I've always been hesitant to travel to non-English speaking countries. Now I am not.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We experienced a wide range of activities while in Japan, especially for the short amount of time we were there. The university visit provided a cultural comparison to American schooling as well as the ability to interact with Japanese students. We visited many temples and shrines, navigated the train system, shopped, went to museums, and had free time to explore on our own. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hotel was in a convenient location in a great district. The hotel staff was attentive and helpful. |
| * Food: |
We ate a wide variety of authentic Japanese cuisine. Two meals per day were included, which was very cost effective for a traveler. However, if you do not like Japanese food, this was not optimal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Other than the university visit and interacting with our tour guide, there was little interaction necessary. This piece could have been enhanced although it was not emphasized by La Roche. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No vaccinations were necessary. No healthcare issues arose (thankfully!). |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe throughout the trip. I was not concerned for student safety during the entire experience. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Asia Institute provided a thorough experience, especially for the short amount of time we were there. |
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) |
Almost the entire trip was covered through the program. The only out-of-pocket expenses were food (if you wanted a third meal) and souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take public transportation when available. Eat the meals that are included with the program. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More Japanese language/phrases |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
