Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Year in Tokyo with Middlebury Past Review

By (Tulane University) - abroad from 08/21/2018 to 06/27/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was certainly worthwhile. In addition to greatly improving my language ability and increasing my cultural knowledge, I learned what it was like to be out of my comfort zone and interact with numerous strangers, who would become my friends. I had to think about and learn who I was and where I came from in a setting in which I was the outsider.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Appropriate balance of guidance and independence
  • Opportunity to integrate in the general student body at the host institution
  • Opportunities for travel and experimental learning
* What could be improved?
  • Language support for content courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how far the campus actually is from central Tokyo- it is in the far West side, so while it is advertised as being in Tokyo, it gives the misconception that the city is right there when in reality it can take about an hour to get to Shinjuku.

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!