Life changing experience at Nagoya University Past Review
By Erica H (International Studies, North Carolina State University) for
Nagoya University: Nagoya - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I miss Japan everyday. It left such an impact on who I am as a person. The culture, the people the language, the food; all of it changed me. When I returned to the states I knew what my major would be; International Studies with a focus on East Asia. Without studying abroad I may have chosen a different major.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was tough. I was involved in an intense language program, equivalent to two years of language at NCSU. I had to study everyday and there was a test nearly every other day. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone at Nagoya University was very helpful. They even guided us to the ward office to apply for our foreign registration cards and health insurance. They were there to make our study abroad experiences the best they could be. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a one bedroom room with a private bathroom and balcony. There was a shared kitchen and living room on each hall on each floor. I was able to interact with Japanese students as well as international students. Making small talk in the kitchen in Japanese was definitely a challenge, but helpful. |
| * Food: |
There were several cafeterias on campus as well as cafes. There were restaurants and convenience stores around every corner. As well as a grocery store right down the street. Food was plentiful and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went on several trips to different cities while in Japan. However my trip to Kyoto may have been the most memorable. It was Japan's first capital, and is an extremely old city. There was a lot of history and gave me a sense of traditional Japan. I fell in love all over again. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Nagoya. Japan is a very safe country. I would walk to the grocery store alone at night and feel as safe as I would in my own backyard. However, as in any country, if you're in a bustling city with active night life, its always wise to go with a friend. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I can hold a lengthy conversation in Japanese now. Before going to Japan I could only speak a few sentences. My language abilities have improved immensely. I could practice Japanese with practically anyone that would listen. Whether is was my professors, or friends at my university, or even my landlady. Most people spoke English, but a lot of the younger generation,i.e high school students and younger didn't. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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