Past Review
By Gelsey B (Bachelors of Individualized Studies, New Mexico State University) for
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies: Nisshin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile. It has had a very strong impact on my cultural awareness. While I have moved around a lot and seen the different cultures within America, America does not have a strong sense of culture as compared to some countries, like Japan, and it was absolutely amazing to see it and to be a part of it. My academic and future plans have not been changed, however I am now certain about my decision in studying Japanese even more than before.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Every time I had a question or need the staff immediately helped me or gave me exact directions. The only weakness was how long it took them to give us our grades. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The caretaker was very attentive and kind. The rooms were small and convenient with a bathroom. The kitchens were public, easy to use and the entire dorm had a friendly and open environment. The biggest draw back was that my room was in one of the corners of the building so I received absolutely NO internet in my room whatsoever. It made it very difficult and inconvenient for me to do work away from other people and noise. |
| * Food: |
The food in Japan is very, very healthy. All of my friends began to lose a lot of weight and their clothes eventually got too big for them. So bring an extra smaller belt just in case. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The university I went to went out of their way to mix Japanese and foreign students together, so it was easy to meet Japanese students and speak with them. I have heard that most universities in Japan will not do that, however, so some students should be prepared because without the university influencing the students to interact with foreigners most Japanese students will avoid foreign students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The staff and caretaker would address any health issues that students presented. Japan is a very safe country and I felt safe during almost all of my stay. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Japan is an expensive country to live and shop in. Also, many students who arrived in Japan spent way too much money in their first two weeks and ended up being broke for a while, so its wise to go in knowing how much money you want to spend and stick with it. Unless you're only going to be in Japan for a little bit, it's better to wait to buy the things that you want. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced language with my teachers and Japanese friends. Most people understood and could speak English, however, so it was sometimes difficult to practice Japanese in every day life because as soon as a Japanese person felt that I was having a hard time understanding or speaking they would switch to English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who want to experience culture and can work hard should absolutely study abroad. |
