Getting the most out of Japan outside of school Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

To be frank, I may have got stuck with the wrong teachers, but my experience abroad educationally was not a good one. Half of my teachers couldn't speak English too well although it was an English class they were teaching. The lack of instruction was also distasteful. It was hard getting used to the way they teach as it is very different to the American educational system. I think American educational systems prefer more critical thinking, opinions, and open-minded views. In Japan, it's more along the lines of narrow-minded thinking that abides by the textbook. There wasn't an extreme amount of work to do, but at the same time I didn't feel comfortable with how I was doing in the class. I also didn't think some of the teachers cared too much about teaching, so the lack of motivation in the students could also be seen. However, the classes were really dependent on the teacher.

On-site administration of your program

They couldn't speak English well, or somehow assumed that you automatically knew Japanese and proceeded to explain things in Japanese. Also, they told you different things. Their lack of communication among each other was a little shocking. They're somewhat slow at getting things done, but for the most part it was alright.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I have some connections with church people in Japan, so I was living with some people in an apartment near Waseda University, which is only about 30 minutes including walking, subway, and waiting to Sophia University. It was pretty safe, as most people around were students. I didn't have to buy anything since necessities were provided. Many of the people I lived with came from different countries, so Japanese was the only language we could communicate in.

Food was absolutely delicious. The only downer is of course that it's somewhat smaller portions for more money. But it is mostly healthy and good. There's a road by Sophia University that many students walk along to eat different types of food, if some people are a little homesick. However, it is still probably made Japanese-style so if you want close to genuine international food, you might want to try Shinjuku.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For the most part, Japan is an awesome place to be if you're there sightseeing and traveling, eating, etc. It can get expensive, but that's to be expected there. They have tons of festivals and beautiful places to visit, whether it be in the country or the city. Since I was a direct exchange student, I was basically on my own, but it was nice being able to explore on your own and having the freedom to go where you wanted to.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Japan is known for being one of the top countries with a low crime-rate. It's true, it's quite safe. The school stresses that there are thefts and to be aware of them, but for the most part it's definitely safer than back home. Apparently going to the doctor often is pretty common, which is different than the States. For some reason, the air in Tokyo might be a little strange; some people tend to develop a random cough while there, but it goes away after a while and as far as I know, it's pretty harmless. Other than that, Japan is pretty clean.

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

The best way to learn the language is outside of school, with the friends you meet, clubs you join, the interactions you get when eating out, sightseeing, etc. For the most part, even though Japanese people have learned English, they don't use it so Japanese is somewhat essential for everyday interactions. It is definitely better to speak and fail at Japanese than to strictly use English.

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• Apartment

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• Americans