An unforgettable, life-changing experience! Past Review
By Harrison Collins (North Carolina State University / NC State) - abroad from 08/03/2017 to 08/12/2017 with
The GREEN Program: Japan - Disaster Mitigation and Nuclear to Renewable Transitions
Japan is a place that I had always wanted to go to, but always seemed out of reach, due to its distance from the Bahamas and the US. When I saw this program was being offered, I couldn't help but sign up, as it represented the culmination of my academic and personal goals and desires. Japan is the wonderful country I always thought it was, with a refined culture unique to a country with a rich history. Not only did I learn about nuclear science and engineering at a deeper level, but I was exposed to a culture entirely different than my own, offering a new perspective on a world that, to me, always seemed so similar. Having experienced what I did, I can wholeheartedly say, without reservation, that going on this inaugural trip was, and forever will be, one of the greatest decisions I have ever made.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As a chemical engineer with a concentration in sustainability and energy, I found the lecture material easier to grasp than others might. However, I learned that, no matter what level you are at, there was always something more to learn during the lecture sessions. The capstone project added to the overall meaning and theme of the trip and gave the trip an overarching backbone that helped us reflect on our experiences there. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything went smoothly, and made the trip the best experience of my life! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I have always admired Japanese architecture and housing, so being able to experience it first-hand was incredible! |
| * Food: |
Healthier and tastier than home. Hands. Down. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Japanese culture is very structured and respect-driven. Coming from the West, it can seem a formidable task to allow oneself to come out of one's shell and be a bit vulnerable in this culture. Initially, when on my own, it seemed daunting. However, as I allowed myself to become more outgoing and try new things and meet new people, it started to feel like a really welcoming and generous place. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues over the course of this trip, and there were no vaccines needed. Insurance was available through the Program as well. |
| * Safety: |
Japan has done an amazing job at remediating a prefecture thought by the West to be irradiated. To be able to drive between the reactor buildings and receive less than a dental X-rays dose of radiation proves the Japanese commitment to safety and the hard work they do to ensure that the surrounding communities can move on from the disaster in as short a timespan as possible. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
This rating comes primarily from the souvenirs and extra food and drinks purchased in the country. These were all budgeted for beforehand however, so it would not be overwhelmingly difficult to live more frugally, should one choose. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | That I was going to have the time of my life! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
