A Year in Kyoto Past Review

By (Japanese Language and Literature., Wellesley College) for

Associated Kyoto Program: Kyoto - Doshisha University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I am so happy I went abroad, although it hasn't changed my future plans.

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.

The work load was light but encouraged us to go out and experience the city, which was great. Since it was an American program, there weren't any issues with grading differences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff very helpful in all aspects, whether it was support dealing with host families or culture shock, or looking for a club to join, or organizing outings and helping us buy tickets to any event. And because we were such a small group we were all able to form close personal relationships with the professors and staff. My expectations were definitely met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Contrary to what everyone says, there is good, cheap food available in Japan. Portion sizes are smaller than American, but not tiny. Host families provided Breakfast and Dinner, so most of what you eat depends on them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Field trips were awesome. And the grant for Takarazuka tickets was amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is very safe. People don't even lock their bikes to anything. If you lose something and it has your address, it will probably find its way back to you.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating at the cafeteria was super cheap and delicious.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? JPN 202
Language acquisition improvement?

Host family, Japanese professors, Japanese students. Most of the American students spoke to each other in English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans