Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great cultural experience, I'd love to go back! Past Review

By (Business Administration and Management, General, University of Illinois Springfield / UIS) - abroad from 06/13/2013 to 06/30/2013 with

University of Illinois Springfield: Ashikaga - Japanese Language and Culture, June

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I liked understanding the culture better and stepping outside of the American mindset. You see things in movies, but until you actually travel somewhere and experience day to day life of another culture, it is hard to fully grasp.

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.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I did not buy very many souviners and had money when I came back, so I would say spend your money wisely.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? I would listen to youtube videos to get familiar with the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Visiting the beautiful places
  • Tokyo
* What could be improved?
  • Length
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it was good to study Japan a little bit, but it is nice to learn as you go too. I would not change my preparation besides learning a little more Japanese.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.