Life changing! Past Review
By Billy Haug (Fordham University) - abroad from 08/03/2017 to 08/12/2017 with
The GREEN Program: Japan - Disaster Mitigation and Nuclear to Renewable Transitions
I gained not only an entirely new perspective but also ideas, habits, and concepts that I continue to incorporate into my everyday and professional life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Excellent coursework and instructors, both in the academic setting and during tourism. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We got to stay in a traditional Japanese hotel run by local family. The vibe was much more enjoyable and encompassing then one would find in a standard hotel; definitely enhanced the experience of the entire trip. |
| * Food: |
I am a huge fan of all kinds of Oriental cuisine, especially sushi, so the food on this trip was right up my alley. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to numerous events and attractions that are popular with the local people, including a spectacular fireworks show and street festival, just to name a couple. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Thankfully there were no extraneous health situations during my trip. Thus, this area was fairly unaddressed. |
| * Safety: |
At absolutely no time during my trip did I feel unsafe or unwelcome. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The relationships I formed, knowledge I obtained, and experiences I were truly unparalleled. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $50-$75 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Download the Duolingo app if you have a smartphone! Japanese was recently added and its a phenomenal and fun way to pick up the basics. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that I high-end camera would be a major asset if you have access to one. |
