Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Japan 2022-23 September 08, 2023

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/20/2022 to 06/01/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt it was a worthwhile experience. My language ability greatly improved and I was able to gain valuable experience working with locals.

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.

Felt very similar to Middlebury's rigor.

* 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?

I did not personally have any experiences with healthcare. However, I felt if I did develop any issues, it would be difficult to find help, especially if the issue was more of a personal nature.

* Safety:

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

This program was what I needed to grow as a person. I was looking for freedom to explore the culture, area, etc. myself without restrictions. That being said, this may not be the program for someone who wants a lot of guidance or prepared structure.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? JAPN 202
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends while there so you can use the language with them. There are many people who will not speak Japanese with foreigners. Let them speak English to you, but try your best to use Japanese yourself and encourage them to help you learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Experiences (internship, clubs, etc.)
  • Freedom to travel/explore
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation for study abroad
  • Classes offered by the Midd school abroad
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Maybe more about processes having to do with residence, national health insurance, etc.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cultural Exploration
Course Department: Middlebury Schools Abroad
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: I felt this course could have been more relevant to what we were experiencing in Japan. Though the topics we studied were somewhat interesting, they did not explain what we were seeing and hearing. I personally would have liked to see more content regarding everyday culture, the social climate, issues women face, etc.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.