Every day is a festival if you go about it right! Past Review
By Gabriel L (Japanese Language, Literature, Columbia College, Missouri) - abroad from 03/24/2015 to 08/08/2015 with
University of Shiga Prefecture: Hikone - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
So much, not only to appreciate another culture but the people. Japan has so much tradition, kindness, respect and intelligence it makes me yearn to know more and more. This experience is more than worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The learning rate was up to the student, but always encouraged to learn more. The teacher were friendly and the learning environment was conductive to learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Beautiful campus, welcoming people and plenty to see and do. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
A little expensive, but really worth it because they were well kept and convenient. |
| * Food: |
Every day there was good food, especially in the cafeteria which was really cheap but still delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You learn something everyday if you step out the door. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally was not harmed in anyway, but any time a friend had a bout with too much sun exposure it was dealt with swiftly and with care. |
| * Safety: |
Completely safe, I have have nothing to fear here. I lost my wallet and it was returned to my four days later, the police station here is fantastic. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Due to my parents, I had no strife, but, if my parents were not so generous, I would not be able to go on as many field trips to survey Japan as I do. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | food (75) + trips (50) = 125$ (cheap week, give or take 50 more dollars on a more expensive one) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The hundred yen store will save so much money. Things are well made. But you can afford to bring your own towels, deodorant and the like. Don't buy things that you can't bring / ship home. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Everyday was a learning experience because everyone will attempt to speak to you in Japanese. |
| 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? | basic 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? | Do the homework, and have your native friends check it over. They will give you a lot of advice. Even if in broken Japanese, attempt conversation. Don't shy away from the difficult things. Study on your own as well, review is crucial! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try to study by myself beforehand, so I could have questions in hand to ask the natives here. I wish I could have prepared myself for falling so deeply in love with the country and the people. |
