Past Review
By Sarah C (Architecture., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
University of the Ryukyus: Okinawa - Student Exchange Program or Japanese Studies Program
I loved Japanese culture, music, dramas all before coming to Japan, but by coming I was able to learn more about everyday life, the people, all while greatly improving my Japanese skills. I definitely hope to minor in Japanese while studying at Manoa, however after coming here I would like to double major in both my current major and Japanese. This was a great program, and i hope everyone studying Japanese will have the chance to study abroad in Japan, hopefully in Okinawa!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although i applied into the URSEP course, after undergoing a Japanese skill level test at Ryudai, I was placed in a class with other STRP students. At first it was difficult, being that everything was taught in Japanese, Japanese terms that I didn't understand were then explained to me again in Japanese, but even with how difficult it was at the beginning, it was well worth it. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The University of the Ryukyus and the University of Hawaii at Manoa are sister university's, so they know a lot about echother's programs, campus', etc... |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in the International Dorms, where most of the international students live. It's very close to campus and has air-conditioning, great for the harsh, humid summers of Okinawa. |
| * Food: |
I love Japanese as well as Okinawan food, so for me this was great. The cafeteria here has much better food than Manoa's cafeteria and is much cheaper. >_< |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By having friends with a car i was able to travel all over Okinawa. Even without a car the bus system can take you about anywhere, although it is VERY expensive. A lot of people walk. But anyway, my cultural experience involved going to many festivals around Okinawa. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
There is a health center on campus and the university run hospital is right out of the south gate of the campus. When I got hit by car during my stay in Okinawa, yeah it was a little unexpected, the hospital was well staffed and had many excellent doctors. Oh and they have you get healthcare right when you arrive in Okinawa so that was also nice. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who wants to become fluent in Japanese, or a Japanese major must apply for the STRP course without a doubt. Even if you are just coming to study in Japan because you love Japanese culture i would still suggest the STRP program. the URSEP program is a LOT more relaxed course. And if maybe by the second semester you want to take a Ryudai course, you basically can't, if you do you may only get half of the credits, and you can only take one, very upsetting. |
