Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'll never forget this experience!!! October 03, 2023

By (Journalism, Texas State University-San Marcos) - abroad from 05/30/2023 to 06/06/2023 with

Texas State University: Journalism and Mass Communication in Japan, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained international knowledge and broadened my communication skills by meeting international students and talking to locals in Japan. I also gained fieldwork experience and I learned how to time manage very well. Writing for a blog and also posting on social media for a specific audience were skills I learned as well.

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.

An experience I'll never forget!!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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

In this study abroad program, we were challenged as students to submit excellent multimedia work as well as feature stories and daily blog posts. We spent a lot of time collaborating as a group and working together to make sure our work was something we could be proud of and share with the world. I made friends that I'll know for a lifetime and will always be honored to share this experience with them.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved the locations we visited and how much we got to see in such a short amount of time.Notable locations we visited were Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, and Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan.
* What could be improved?
  • This program was amazing, but to really be in touch with the culture and have time to reflect I feel like this program could have been extended 1-2 weeks.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that traveling abroad does not have to be filled with anxiety and fear for what is to come. Studying abroad is an opportunity for adventure and the group you travel with are just as excited and anxious as you are. It's okay to be nervous, but don't fear the risk.

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!