Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overall great experience with a bit challenging academic life September 20, 2024

By (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 04/01/2024 to 08/31/2024 with

University of Tokyo: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I did have a closer look on how life is like in Japan for which I used to wonder a lot. And it's definitely worthwhile for being such a valuable experience immersed in a different culture while studying in the prestigious institution.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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? No

If only for a exchange student experience, I might choose other programs for more of a regular program, this program is offered with limited, mostly only graduate level courses in English, so not much choices for international students and could be really challenging.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300 dollars

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world
  • U Tokyo has good facilities, especially thevery nice library that I love to study in.
* What could be improved?
  • Course materials could be revealed more when application begins
  • It might be better if the application schedule is not that late, though it's because of the difference of two countries
  • Japan is such a country that requires more Japanese used than I expected
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Detailed version of the course material, reference books, syllabus could be nice. And a mild language requirement reminder would help as well.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!