Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Experience Past Review

By (University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 09/09/2019 to 05/17/2019 with

University of Illinois: Illinois Year-in-Japan Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad is usually a very rewarding experience no matter where you go, and the YIJ program is no exception. However, it is easy to have a bad experience if the program itself is not organized properly or the staff are not helpful. I was happy to discover, from my first inquiries into YIJ to the end of the program, that YIJ does not suffer from these problems. The staff are all incredibly helpful and caring, as well as extremely organized. I had so much fun on the trip, and it was just the right balance of total freedom and guided activities. I was able to do a lot of solo travelling and playing music, and the classes at school as well as the school trips were very rewarding. Kobe is the perfect city for this type of program, a place small and quiet enough I could feel at home, while also providing many big-city accommodations. I encourage anyone looking for a study abroad experience to consider YIJ.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* 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)

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff
  • Facilities
  • Ability to travel and explore
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? plan your time!

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!