Japan: natural and full of respect. Past Review
By Stephen B (International/Global Studies., Trinity University) for
NRCSA: Fukuoka - Japanese Language School
Studying abroad helped me learn new things I would never have learned in the United States. I loved learning how to look at things from a Japanese perspective, and immersing myself in something completely foreign to me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was very afraid of what grade I was going to get! Aside from vocab tests, each assignment was graded with a stamp; I was unfamiliar with the grading system. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is flexible, which is both its strength and weakness. Easy to use, but at times difficult to confirm things. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed the environment, but it was far. The obaasan (lit. "grandmother", who was the caretaker) was very nice and helpful. |
| * Food: |
I wish there was more food to eat! The quality of food is better at the dorm, but it may not always be what |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I could have gone to more, but the places and events I attended were awesome! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Japan is a very health-conscious place, with clean streets and facilities. People hand out napkins all the time on sidewalks, and police give out notices of any outbreaks or procedures to prevent sicknesses. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I had a budget of $200 per week on food. I tend to reserve my money, so I would probably not be the best reference in this category. I will say things are not cheap! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No unanticipated expenses. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Previous study abroad session in same program. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was shifted back a chapter at one point due to an increase in school size. |
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 |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The student who is quiet, humble, and eager will find the most acceptance in Japanese society. Respect is taken to a whole 'nother level in Japan. As for the program, know how much you are spending and take advantage of the rental cell phone! Go to as many places as you can. |
