Aichi: Cozy lifestyle but Japanese skills needed Past Review

By (Asian Studies/Civilization., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for

Aichi University: Nagoya - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
3 stars becasue minus the one cultural class there wasnt a lot of out of class room time. And the language level of my classes were too advanced for me. Need Intermediate and able to speak Japanese. Come in the Fall. And be prepared to fend for yourself though if you ask for help they will usually try to assist. But small time feel. I would wait till 2012 when they move the campus to nagoya.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classese are 2 credits. Finals and attendence are the biggest part in grading. Homework a little heavy for only 2 credits.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There is no homestay. Program is a little small so if you take the normal classes recomended you will be with the same group of students (about 8) and in the same classroom every day. Not a lot of travel but they do give a trip around Japan in the beggining of Fall semester. Any other traveling, you schedule on you weekends. They will asist if you need help or have questions when planning a trip, but once again you need japanese.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In 2012 campus will be moved to Nagoya. But Toyohashi dorms are 5 min. walk to school. Little nigtlife. Single ocupant rooms with kitchen. Shared bathrooms and showers. Must provide bedding and futon (will provide for $100) Kitchenware usually provided. You comunicatie with other international students through japanese as well as the owner. Owner is friendly. No gym at the school.

* Food:

Two cafeterias. Nice lunch ladies. Options usually, a rice and meat dish, ramen, or curry. Convinient store on campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unless taking a culture class were you see flower arranging, tea ceremony, or traditional musical instruments, traveling is left up to you. In the fall they have one feild trip and the end of the spring they had a special event being a firework festival. But all other travels are up to you. The do arrange a welcome party. Many clubs to choose from but all students in the clubs will only speak japanese. Travel is expensive from toyohashi, just to the nagoya is between 15-20 dollars one way.

* 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

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

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

All classes as well as the campus tour, and introduction is all in Japanese. Uses everyday. Most people speak only Japanese including the office personel.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Only enter in Fall semester unless advanced intermediate. If you need help with anything you will need to say it in Japanese, so be able to speak fairly fluent Japanese.