A once in a lifetime experience in Japan Past Review
By Alejandro D (IT Business/ System Analysis, Portland State University) for
CIEE: Tokyo - Summer Japanese Studies
I gained a deeper understanding of Japanese culture because I was able to be part of it. Any lack of information about the Japanese Culture was filled while studying there. This experience will make it easier for me to make future plans involving foreign travel, especially back to Japan.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Teaching seemed thorough but rushed. Probably because it was only two week courses |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was well aware of our needs and circumstances. The student faculty was friendly and easy to engage in. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved the hotel. It was in a central station where everything was easily accessible within a few block radius. My only complaint was the washer and dryer situation. Only two washers and dryers in the hotel which were mostly always being occupied. Dryer didnt work very well. |
| * Food: |
Many restaurants to choose from in the area. It would be hard to not find something you want to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursion taken at the beginning of the trip to Matsumoto and Yakahama were a great way to start the foreign experience. Everything was new and strange. The places visited were top-notch, and a great exposure of the culture occurred every step of the way. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues seemed to be well taken cared of even though I never had any issues with health. The safety in Tokyo is one of the best even at night. No need of vaccination if going Japan. No prevalent health issues apart from the occasional person with a cold or flu |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was able to practice the language with the locals, but most of my interactions were with other foreign exchange students who spoke English. Other interactions required some foreign language skills |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | If you enjoy being among dense populations of people then I recommend the Tokyo, Japan program. If you've always had a fascination with the Japanese culture this program is also a great place to be. I don't recommend it to people who don't like big changes in cultures especially with food. |
