Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not the "Real" Japan Past Review

By (Computer Engineering., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 07/31/2014 with

Ritsumeikan University: Kyoto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being in a foreign country is not as intimidating as I originally thought. We are all still people and it is easy enough to communicate without knowing the language. That being said, my language skills skyrocketed. I am much more skilled than I was when I first arrived. I feel like I could have been leaps and bounds better, though, if we were more immersed in the culture. Also I would not go somewhere so hot in the middle of Summer. In general, If I were to redo my study abroad trip, I would still have gone to Japan for as long as I did. I would not be going to that school or area though.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class itself was great. I loved my sensei. It was extremely intense and by the end of the course, I knew a year's worth of Japanese studies.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The people directly involved with my program were always happy to help and incredibly kind. The general staff was okay. Generally what you would expect from university staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Trust me. I am not picky. When I first saw my room, I was so excited. By the end of the trip, though, I didn't want to be in my room at all. The air conditioning didn't work for a few weeks and then it shut off every half hour after they finally turned it on. There was no hot water in the room. My floor had 5 showers but only two had hot water. The bed was terrible. Just terrible. I tried to appreciate it for what it was (a japanese futon) but then I slept on a real futon at the homestay, and I was infuriated that I had to sleep on a worn comforter on a piece of plywood. The internet often did not work. If you lose your key, it costs 100 dollars. Of course I lost mine in the last week of the program. There were not enough washers or dryers. Most of the time you would have to hand your laundry in your room but it would just get musty and gross because it is so humid. To top it all off everything is gray. I don't want to another gray object ever again.

* Food:

There weren't many healthy options at the cafeteria. Everywhere that you could buy food also had really bad hours. Also the cost adds up FAST! It was usually decent though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are on top of a mountain in an international school. Everyone speaks English. I honestly didn't feel like I left the United States most of the time. The only time I ever felt like I experienced the "real" Japan was when I finally left the school and traveled on my own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to deal with this, but I know other people did. They struggled with the system I believe.

* Safety:

Japan is a very safe place to start with and Beppu is a small town. It was hard to imagine anyone doing anything wrong at all. The only thing I would worry about is other international students. Some of them were definitely shady.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 was really very expensive and all living costs fell on you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try cooking for yourself. I wasn't successful in saving money that way but other people said it was easy to save money that way.

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

Everything was in English so the only time you ever used your Japanese training was in class and when you went out on your own.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Go out on your own!!! My greatest advancements were when I had to handle social situations with real Japanese people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The intense language course
  • My own excursions
* What could be improved?
  • The costs
  • The immersion into the culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought more of the comforts of home with me. For the first month I didn't talk to my family at all and I think that that really messed with me. By the end of the program, I just wanted to crawl into my bed and hold everything that ever meant anything to me. That could just be though. I know that being separated from the comforts of home didn't affect people like it did me. If I could do it again I would have brought more things to make me feel more comfortable.

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 Linguist
You 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!