Well worth it, but you must spend a year to really get the exposure. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Arriving with only 100 level (101,102,&103) Japanese prior education, this program had little online or library resources that I felt I could utilize. Also, the classes were a combination of various levels of Japanese ability, which made it difficult for both the instructor and the student regarding Japanese language learning. For a lower level Japanese language student, the attempt to educate with total immersion in Japanese taught classes, was too soon. I needed English instruction and explanation to understand the assignments. Classes are also once a week and around an hour and a half; which is very difficult to organize and separate homework for, and doesn't allow for the feeling of progressing (especially for the Japanese language classes). Other classes that were taught in English on various topics were nice, but not usually challenging with reading or writing since they were geared for Japanese students with a high level of English proficiency. The content was good, however, for the lectures. The school does provide a number of personal assistance with both volunteer students who help and clubs focused on International students. They also do their best to help when one asks for it in the International Center on campus. There are a lot of activities that are focused on field-trips around Tokyo; this is nice, but after a few months, I found it to be too distracting and I felt more obligation than excitement about many of the activities. By the last semester I chose to try to self-study rather than rely on the language classes, and opted out of many of the volunteer led events, since I had made my own community of resources that better suited my desires.

On-site administration of your program

The International Center (Kokusai Center) was very helpful. However, there were many surveys and interviews asking for feedback during the course of my time there, and even though I was as clear as I could be about what I thought I needed to better study, nothing changed.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did like the dorms and the staff. They were clean, and people were generally friendly. I was able to ask for help with a number of basic things that are difficult for a person new to the country, language, and appliances of Japan. For example the rice-cooker (kanji) and the washing machines (I both Youtubed and asked for assistance with those). But. . . the dorms are on-campus and the gates close at 11:00 pm daily. The dorms close at 11:30 pm daily. There are monthly chores and meetings that are mandatory or require a penalty fine. The hot water is only on early in the morning or late at night. The baths were - mostly - traditional, therefore communal showers and baths which are a little uncomfortable for a shy westerner.

There were two restaurants: one was more expensive, slower to cook, and more delicious. The other was the main cafeteria: more affordable, more greasy, longer lines, faster, but two food items were usually good (the オムライス Omu-raisu and the Ramen, Udon, Soba which are noodle-soups).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to comfortably travel around, had a large network of friends, and plenty of things to do. However, with my European looks, I would stand out no matter where I was. One has to be comfortable being noticed there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I hear that it's fine. Luckily, I didn't need to test that. But, the language will be an issue in most places and medication or even over-the-counter drugs are hard to figure out without help.

Usually very safe no matter how dark or the time of day when it comes to crime. Being Japan, there are the high probability of earthquakes, and I felt at least three in the year that I was there. There is also political tension between Japan and China, Korea (North & South), and the Philippines (from the time of this review). For safety issues regarding crime, the biggest concern is scams or theft if in high-tourist areas. Violent crime does happen, so a person should do their homework to know what to look for and what their rights are for protecting themselves if they want to really be prepared for all possible contingencies. There is also talk of forced sex-slavery around Japan, which is something to note.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You can make it very cheap, if you don't travel, sight-see, stay on dorms, cook at home often. But, I moved out of dorms (because of stifling curfew), traveled (found some great rates from specials), and found food to be reasonably priced when going out (cooking for one costs more money, unless you just stick to rice and curry).

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

Lots of encouragement, not realistic.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Other
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students
• Other
• N/A

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Campus
• Teachers were nice
• Being in another country

• Organization of Japanese Language Program
• Dorm regulations.
• Consistent Japanese Language Textbooks which offer English explanation and are used in the various classes (ex. kanji class, grammar class, keigo class, reading class).

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer