Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent, but somewhat isolated Past Review

By (ILVS, Tufts University) - abroad from 10/06/2011 to 08/02/2012 with

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely. My ability to speak and read Japanese improved tremendously.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

Difficult to get to know Japanese students, too far from town to easily spend much time in city center.

* 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

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)

The stipend from Tufts was more than sufficient for living expenses and travel.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5-10,000 Yen
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There's really no need. The stipend from Tufts is enough to allow fairly extravagant spending.

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

All classes conducted in Japanese, but social contacts outside of class were often limited to other international students.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? JPN-0004
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice reading novels on your own.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • The environment
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunities for contact with Japanese students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, really. If I'd already known the things I learned in Japan, there would have been no point in going.

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!