Study Abroad in Japan: Contemporary and Traditional Past Review
By Andrew L (Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering., The University of Texas at Austin) for
Sophia University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad program gave me the desired reprieve from school that I desired. I had a lot of fun, meet some cool people, and fell in love with Japan all over again. While I wish there was less English in my daily life, I still managed to improve my overall Japanese language skills. Further exposure to Japanese history and literature through my classes also gave me a new found appreciation for the country. As well, hanging out with the youth of Japan also gave me perspective into the overarching similarities and differences between our two cultures. Overall, a worthwhile experience that has helped give me direction for the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a dorm run by my host university, about a 40 minute commute by train to the university. The accommodations provided by the dorm were nice, if a bit cramped (as to be expected from a Japanese dorm). The student make-up within the dorm consisted of about 75% local Japanese students, and the rest were international students. When in the dorm, I spent most of my time with the other international students, but also got along fine with the other Japanese students. Overall had a good time. |
| * Food: |
Food in Japan (especially in Tokyo) is good, pretty much no matter where you go. The dorm cafeteria food was decent for what it was, but got tiring fast. I would highly recommended finding some Japanese friends asap when you get there and have them take you out to all the local eateries and bars. Good way to practice the language and have a good meal while you're at it. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is wise to keep in mind everything in Japan (especially in Tokyo) is very, very expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
In all honesty, I received most of my language training outside of the classroom, more specifically, outside of my host university. The problem was the grand majority of students at my host university spoke English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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 |
|
