Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming Japanese Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/03/2014 to 07/30/2014 with

CET Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worth while. I made lifetime friends, became proficient in Japanese, ate delicious foods, saw beautiful sites and really dove into Japanese culture (maybe even more than the traditional foreign student).

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.

All aspects of the course and living situation were exemplary, but the time was slightly less than adequate for 100% success.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

By virtue of being in Japan, I ate like a king everyday for a fraction of the cost I would have incurred in the States.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick in country (I'll spare you the details). An otherwise miserable situation was improved by the ease of access to health care and the willingness of people to facilitate the excursion to the hospital. The doctors did not speak English, but I received a lesson on navigating a Japanese hospital that was no doubt an invaluable experience.

* Safety:

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money now. Have more fun there.

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

100% Japanese (NO ENGLISH ALLOWED)

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3rd year JPN320l
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? 1. Hang out in the department 2. Join a conversation/ culture group (there are many on campus) 3. Talk to and make friends with people at local restaurants (many of them speak languages related to the cuisine) 4. Find a Skype partner who is interested in your mother language and trade. 5. Go to TIEP close to campus and join their conversation partners program help a person with your target language learn English and vice-versa. 6. Indulge in movies, music and literature in target language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The Japanese Roomate
  • The 100% Japanese pledge
  • The Professors
* What could be improved?
  • It could be a longer program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I met my best friends there in my last week. I wish I had known them on day one, but that is the way of the world. I was well prepared for Japan.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!