Irreplaceable experience Past Review
By Hannah H (Japanese Language and Literature., Western Washington University) - abroad from 03/19/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies: Nagoya - Japanese Language and Japanese Studies Program / JLJSP Direct Enrollment
I gained and learned more than I can express in this little box. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm so glad I took it. More than worthwhile. I learned a lot about Japanese and Japan, and about myself.
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. |
At NUFS, students are able to take both language and culture classes. The language classes are wonderful and you learn so much, but in my opinion, the culture classes were a bit lacking. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in International House, the dorm right by the school. You don't have to pay utilities, you get air conditioning, and the dorm is kept clean and safe. It's a great place to live. |
* Food: |
Food is very expensive in Japan but like anywhere else, there's a grocery store and lots of restaurants so it's impossible to go hungry. Naturally, it's also possible to get cheaper food. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Free health clinic just down the street! Hospital was expensive to visit, though. A friend had to pay $65 to get a burn on her arm looked at and bandaged there. |
* Safety: |
No incidents while I was here. |
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) |
Food is expensive in Japan. But it's possible to live on the stipend NUFS provides its foreign students. |
* Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
* Was food included in your program cost? | No |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60-70 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy things when they're on sale, try not to indulge too much, just be careful and smart about your budget. |
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 |
All of the Japanese language courses at NUFS are taught in Japanese. And they are specific and effectively taught. |
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? | 302 |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use what you're learning in conversations outside of class. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I was pretty well-informed on what to expect, but it would have been good to know how expensive transportation is in Japan! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |