Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Stay Away!! February 14, 2021

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 10/05/2020 to 01/31/2021 with

The Intern Group: Tokyo Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
NA

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Back in October 2020, I applied for an internship in Tokyo for the summer of 2021. During my interview, I specifically asked what would happen in the case that the pandemic will prevent me from traveling, and was assured that in that scenario I would be reimbursed in full. Since there's still a travel ban to Japan, I emailed TIG and asked for a refund. They refused, and said that according to their policy I will have "a lifetime credit", which is a euphemism for "we gonna hold on to your $3,500 even though we promised you a refund." The worst part is that this is not even my money. I was awarded a scholarship to fund the internship, and now that I cannot travel then I need to pay it back out of my pocket. It is shameful that a company that allegedly aims to help students takes advantage of them in days of financial hardship and uncertainty.

* 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? No

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? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • NA
* What could be improved?
  • NA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That behind the fancy website and the slick sales pitch, The Intern Group is nothing but an overly priced brokerage service.