Past Review

By (Nursing., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for

Akita International University: Akita (Intensive Japanese Summer Program) - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it was very wothwhile. I gained so much appreciation for the Japanese culture and many other cultures worldwide after meeting lot of exchange students from all over the world. After completing this program I know I definitely want to continue my studies in the Japanese language and I hope to return here someday!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Hawaii Manoa
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.

The summer program was comprised of 6 weeks of intensive studies. Every week we had atleast 1 cultural event, conversation class, quiz/test, group activity. It was so beneficial to all of us were able to practice, apply, and gain cultural knowledge.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in the administration staff were really helpful in guiding us through this whole summer program. Whenver I had a question or concern they were quick to address it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We all had a Japanese roommate that had been a student at AIU for atleast 1 semester, so they knew a lot about the school facilities and activities. The dorms were conveniently located right next to the cafeteria and about a 1 minute walk to class. Bedding, desk, lamp, and closet were all provided. No refridgerator/microwaves allowed but there is a community kitchen located on the 1st floor.

* Food:

A lot of the cafeteria food is fried and seems a little unhealthy, also there wasn't much of variety but you can always buy food at the kiosk or convenience store.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on many field trips as a big group, it's a good way to make friends. Also this University is relitively small so you will become close with everyone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No vaccines needed for this program.

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

* 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?

At the cafeteria and the convinience stores a lot of the staff did not speak English so it gave us a chance to utilize our Japanese. Also we had weekly conversation classes which helped us practice making simple conversation in Japanese.

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

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You should go on this trip open-minded and you can learn so many things about Japanese culture.