Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good experience for the most part. Past Review

By (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 09/05/2011 to 07/20/2012 with

Taisho University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I definitely improved my language skills and learned a lot more about Buddhism.

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.

The courses on Buddhism were really good, and it was nice to be in an environment where very few people spoke English. But they're Japanese language classes were pretty poor, and the school doesn't help a lot to integrate the exchange students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was pretty horrible. They were nice, but very disorganized. They would tell me wrong dates for vacations, and would always plan things last minute. It was difficult to get information from them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Well I lived at home, but most people don't have that option.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An intermediate course
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? Try to get involved at the school, and in activities where you will be forced to speak the language. Even if it makes you uncomfortable, its the best way to learn.

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • There was total immersion into the culture.
  • There were a lot of resources for my research at my host institution.
* What could be improved?
  • The language courses.
  • The administration at the host institution.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How disorganized the program is.