Learning to Live: Studying Abroad in Osaka Past Review
By Omar Hernandez Rodriguez (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/23/2018 with
CET Japan
Living and studying in Osaka taught me that I can work hard and still take my studies seriously without having to take myself too seriously.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program provided a very healthy challenge that improved my Japanese. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We were always well informed about updates and events during the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was in an extremely convenient location that was also very nice. However, payment for utilities was only mentioned until we arrived and this does affect the usage of certain items like air conditioner. |
| * Food: |
Absolutely amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program's roommates were always extremely kind and inviting and were one of the greatest reasons for me feeling integrated in Japan. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe in Japan. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The language pledge provided the challenge I needed to improve my Japanese and the professors, staff, and roommates provided the support and encouragement that made all of it possible. |
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) |
Food is expensive; however, once you find cheap supermarkets and stores, your expenses should be manageable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $120 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Ask the roommates and program coordinators about affordable places to shop; they had great recommendations. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginner |
| 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? | Due to the language pledge, you will speak Japanese all the time so keep on doing your best. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Since I was in the beginner class with hardly any Japanese, I can say it is definitely possible to still succeed and have fun in Japan. However, if you begin the program with at least 1 semester or year of Japanese fresh in your mind, you'll have a much easier time integrating with others in the program since you actually have the vocabulary to speak in the beginning, unlike those of us in the beginner course. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it regardless of your level. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
