An Amazing Chance to Learn More About Japan and Yourself Past Review
By M J H (Linguistics & East Asian Languages and Cultures, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 05/25/2017 with
University of Illinois: Illinois Year-in-Japan Program
Over the course of one year, I not only gained a wealth of textbook knowledge about Japanese language and culture, I also was able to experience Japanese life firsthand, which was very important to me. This "extra-curricular" way of learning pushed me to break the limits of my own independence and courage: there was a whole new place for me to explore, and I had a time limit to do everything! While the cultural differences and challenges were hard at times, I came out on the other side a more well-rounded, confident individual, so I think that it was worth it.
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. |
The classes were definitely rigorous, and at times could be a little stressful, but the content was interesting, engaging, and applicable both inside and outside of school! |
|
* 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
While the Year in Japan program was tough both academically and culturally, without it I would never be in the same place today. I changed a lot as a person, and had a lot of incredible experiences abroad. |
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 scholarships that were available allowed me to live comfortably. |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Only one year of basic courses |
| 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? | Talk with your host family! Talk with Japanese students! Talk with the person making your coffee! You'll make a lot of mistakes, but the best way to become comfortable learning a language is exposure and use. Get out of your comfort zone both physically and linguistically. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew a little more about the different forms culture shock can take, and more on how to effectively recognize and recover from it. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
