Otaru is very welcoming, a great place to understand Japan Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Comparing other foreign students, I have to say that your experience will depend on how much you interact with your professors (both foreign and Japanese) and your expectations when beginning the program. You are learning in a different culture, and the university life is very different to that from home but as a foreign student you will most likely be given some excuses if you have an difficulties with things. And in general each course had a different workload and a different level of difficulty!

On-site administration of your program

The international office is wonderful. You would feel very close to them by the end of the year because they are so helpful and often try to take part in extra activities with you. The only difficulties they had were in finding fellow students to be tutors and help you assimilate into the culture. I was lucky and got an AWESOME tutor who is my closest friend from Japan.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very close to university and connects you with other foreign students very well. Problem was that the university is at the top of a very big steep hill so shopping can be somewhat difficult.

I love fish. I love trying new things. But I admit, that a whole year without having a real pizza can be somewhat difficult. STAY OPEN.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You have to put yourself out there, stay open to everyone, ask to go out with other people, especially in the winter time.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Japan is one of the safest places I've ever been. Regarding health, I fortunately never had any illness or accidents while there, though close foreign friends did use the doctors facilities on campus for colds, and sometimes had difficulties explaining their problems because they do not speak english there. (Take a Japanese friend with you) Another friend broke her foot falling down the previously mentioned hill (I don't recommend wearing heels there)and had to wait a whole evening before getting it taken care of as the hospital was closed. (The international office did a great job addressing and fixing this issue though)

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I had absolutely no Japanese experience before I went to Japan. Within the first to weeks I knew both alphabets and a little bit of Kanji. I could speak a general conversation by the end of the year. BUT I STUDIED Japanese alot!