South Korea and Japan 2K15 Past Review
By A student (International Relations, University of Illinois Springfield / UIS) - abroad from 06/04/2015 to 06/28/2015 with
University of Illinois Springfield: Ashikaga - Japanese Language and Culture, June
A better understanding of the world, how the US works with other countries, and how the cultures bounce off each other.
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. |
An absolutely astounding trip. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Prof. Spies and Dr. Goldbergbelle did a fantastic job of running this program. Everything went smoothly and according to plan. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hotels and guest houses were fantastic, but my homestay experience could have been a little better. |
| * Food: |
Other than me accidentally eating a raw chili pepper, the food was fantastic. I tried many new things that are difficult or impossible to find here in the states. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was much more immersive than my trips in the past. Most days I felt like a local, going shopping, buying the food, meeting up with my new friends, etc. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any problems with healthcare, nor did I require any medical services. |
| * Safety: |
In Ashikaga, the city was very safe. We felt comfortable walking around at all hours of the day (but always in a group) |
| 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) |
Easy. Almost everything was paid for prior to us departing. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe about $40-50 a week. It varied. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When in a tourist-y shopping area, be sure to check out ALL the stores before buying something. Most of the time, shops have the same items but at different prices. |
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 |
We learned basic Japanese, which was easily applicable to everyday life while we were there. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | I speak German and Spanish, but no Japanese |
| 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 practice practice. Especially with the other students. |
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? | The Japanese Language |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
