It's what you make of it: One year of Cultural Studies in Kyoto Past Review
By Kimiko M (East Asian Studies., Wellesley College) for
Associated Kyoto Program: Kyoto - Doshisha University
It was very worthwhile!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Doshisha University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload is far reduced from an American university as the professors are specifically instructed to leave us time to explore Japan. General opinion of the American professors (who taught elective courses) was mixed, but I had a very good experience. The Japanese teachers are absolutely wonderful! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The office staff for AKP was extremely accessible and friendly. They were just as happy and willing to talk about good looking hairdressers as they are to help book a hostel in Okinawa, help with Japanese homework, or act in a short class video. The all spoke fluent English and were very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Kyoto-si, Sakyo-ku, Kitashirakawa Simoikeda-cho homestay, with 2 parents and 4 children |
| * Food: |
ate everything, and it was delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think that I managed my money rather well and don't think I would do anything differently. I spent a great deal of time with my host family, however, and I know that kids who didn't spent a lot of money going out with friends all the time. In those cases it is much more important to budget. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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