Unforgettable in unexpected ways. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor was lacking, but I viewed that as more of a good thing, as I had more space for socializing and exploring Japan. The resources were very good, and when I needed help editing an essay in Japanese, the program coordinators were there for me. I felt that my language skills improved, but the knowledge I gained from my content course was minimal.

On-site administration of your program

It seems they have everything thought out; even bikes were available for our uses. The program coordinators, Arakaki sensei and Eda sensei never hesitated to ask us how we were feeling, and helped us however they could to the best of their ability.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were exceptionally clean and spacious (compared to Middlebury). The only drawbacks were that I wasn't living among Japanese students but other exchange students and the wi-fi was spotty.

As a vegan, finding food for me was difficult. I expected this, and mostly cooked on my own. However, I had only a microwave to depend on. Kitchens are not available to one-semester students, so I had to make do. I bought vegetables from the local supermarket and cooked them in dorm-provided bowls covered in plastic wrap. The dining hall had vegan dishes during lunch, and once I got a better understanding of the local restaurants, I was able to figure out where I could and couldn't eat. Once again, Arakaki-sensei and Eda-sensei tried as best they could to help, and when we went on program-sponsored trips, they made sure I had something to eat. What I did eat was delicious (even the microwaved meals)!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't expect to be able to integrate in the first place, but it was made harder by the fact that I was only staying for a semester. No one seemed to really want to get to know me when I was leaving so soon. Joining a club helped, and I also did some activities through Glocal Mitaka to get more involved in the community.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't experience major health problems while in Japan, but using my insurance and finding an English speaking doctor seemed very difficult. From what I heard from those who did have to use the health care system, it worked out in the end and wasn't too expensive. The program coordinators also offered to accompany us if we wanted. When I left the country, I paid roughly $30 for the national health coverage I had received during the duration of my stay.

If I had been in any other country, including my own, I would have been robbed or worse. Because Japan is so safe, I became less cautious with my things; lost my wallet twice, had it returned twice, and then permanently lost my ATM card in a separate incident. I got a new card once I returned to the U.S after the police in Japan told me they couldn't find my ATM card. The police were super helpful and friendly even as I was panicking. Public transportation is also super safe, however, one of my friends was groped even though we were all nearby when it happened. They did not wish to pursue any legal action, but there are resources for when this occurs. Everything outside of this incident was completely my fault and still turned out okay.

From what I could see from the other exchange students I was living with, Middlebury's program was the most rigorous, yet it still left me plenty of room to enjoy my time in Japan.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was able to keep to my budget mostly by saving on food expenses. As a vegan, I had to cook for myself anyway, and the groceries plus the dining hall food I could eat wasn't too expensive. Most of my expenses came from trips I planned with friends, and nights out at karaoke/restaurants. Transportation wasn't too expensive either; the local line to Tokyo didn't take more than $6.

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

The language pledge is more flexible than Middlebury's summer language school pledge, but still stressed.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Explorations and Community Engagement Class
• Small class sizes
• The faculty and community partners

• Accomodations for vegans
• Host family options for 1 semester students
• Counseling services

The Academic or Linguist