Absolutely amazing! Made great friends and experienced new things! Past Review

By (East Asian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 03/23/2015 to 07/31/2015 with

CIEE: Tokyo - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about another culture and a whole new life style. I made a lot of new friends from all over the world (some were native Japanese, some were Americans and some were international students). I got to try new and delicious foods and travel all over Japan. Most importantly, I became more independent and learned that I was capable of living in a whole new country.

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? 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? it depends but at least $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook on your own! I ate out a lot and as a result spent a lot. Also, try not to buy too much stuff. I loved the UFO machines and often spent way too much at game centers.

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

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? Japanese 30 (intermediate)
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? Try going out and speaking with the locals as much as possible (especially if you live in a dorm). Also, the dorms tend to have Japanese natives so if you are nervous to talk to strangers, try making friends with natives who are living with you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • People
  • Food
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to speak Japanese (setting up a language buddy)
  • More organized
  • Dorms closer to campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring an empty suitcase because you end up buying and bringing a hole lot of souvenirs back.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.