Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Dive into the Real World Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 08/03/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Japan International Internships

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to work at a big corporation. It was definitely worthwhile.

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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook meals for one person.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

There was no encouragement from the program, but I was speaking Japanese for 9 hours a day at work.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 302, Japanese 390
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Remember to write things down you don't know. Try using a recorder to help with conversations if necessary.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Actually working at a company
  • Little to no cultural troubles
* What could be improved?
  • Support from BYU
  • Clarification on the first few days in Japan
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I can't rely on student T.A.s for anything. I shouldn't have taken any classes, just worked at the company.