One of the smartest things I've ever done Past Review
By Megan W (Asian Studies/Civilization., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
University of the Ryukyus: Okinawa - Student Exchange Program or Japanese Studies Program
Prior to arriving, I didn't know much about Okinawa, but living there for 5 months was a worthwhile experience. It's very different from mainland Japan and has a different history. Coming from Hawaii, I can say that Okinawa and its people are similar but still have their own type of living style as it is still part of Japan. I will definitely go back and visit.
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. |
Workload was excessive but worth the time and effort because I learned a lot. The grading is about the same as my home school. The teaching methods are definitely different as they have teachers for different areas of learning (kanji, grammar, speaking, listening, etc.). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The amount of help they provided was unexpected. A couple of them are fluent in English and that helped me a lot when I first arrived. Besides that, whenever I needed help in something, they offered and did it in a timely manner and a good mood. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Not enough restaurants around the school so students have to always eat in the cafeteria, which can get a little boring. However, the menu changes with certain events that the school holds. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The speech contest was very memorable for me. Even though I was forced to participate, I think it was a worthwhile experience and I ended up winning. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As far as safety goes, Japan is one of the safest place in the world in my opinion. I didn't have a problem with leaving my things around with me being in the same area. |
| 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Students studying Japanese and those who don't mind the warmer, but ever-changing weather will like it here. People are very friendly so to survive, it's best to make friends. |
