Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Taking advantage of immersing myself in Japanese Culture August 05, 2025

By (Asian Studies & Anthropology, Pomona College) - abroad from 08/19/2024 to 06/30/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The cultural experiences and the opportunities I got abroad was very worthwhile and something I couldn't have experienced at my home university. There were many ways within the program components and the nature of being in Tokyo that opened up opportunities to go out of my comfort zone, which ended up becoming moments of growth.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's better to try cook for yourself rather than eating out every dya to save money.

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

The language pledge and living in the dorms with other Japanese (non-study abroad) students helped to reinforce usage of Japanese language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Program Trips to rural destinations in Japan
  • Community Engagement/Internship Component
* What could be improved?
  • Staff communication with host university
  • Level adjustment of program classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The different opportunities for community engagement/internship with recent examples, as the reviews posted online are very outdated (nearly 7-8 years ago).

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.