Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Extremely Amazing, Definitely Worth it, I Can't Wait to Go Back to Japan! Past Review

By (East Asian Studies., Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/19/2012 to 08/16/2012 with

CIEE: Tokyo - Summer Japanese Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned/gained so many things while abroad. Language, culture, new discoveries/growth of myself that I discovered, the list goes on. Yes, it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Sophia University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great professors at Sophia, I enjoyed my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love Tokyu Inn, especially in Kichijoji, the staff is so friendly and wonderful in helping you out.

* 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:

Tokyo is one of the safest cities I have ever stayed/traveled in.

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)

fairly easy, but this isn't including buying souvenirs/gifts/and the like

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? somewhere between ¥2,000-¥3,000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save ahead of time if you know if you will be studying abroad. It doesn't hurt to ask around amongst close family members and friends. But, having a part time job helps too which is what I had.

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

They encouraged a minimal amount, just to let the host country know that you are trying which is greatly appreciated.

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 103 (end of the 100 level Japanese courses)
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? Get little dictionaries, or guidebooks that have important phrases and words to know.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • culture, food, friends
  • classes, the hotel, Kichijoji
  • Tokyo, language, the people
* What could be improved?
  • being notified ahead of time to add in the costs of transporation within Tokyo
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should've brought a bigger suitcase, I bought a lot of souvenirs.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Japanese Contemporary Society
Course Department: Anthropology
Instructor: Debrah Occhi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was a nice challenge, it wasn't an impossible challenge. Everything was relevant and the teacher was knowledgeable in the area. I also participated the same amount necessary for this type of lecture class. We were assessed through writings, two quizzes, a midterm, and a final.
Credit Transfer Issues: I didn't have any issues with this class. My same advice is to talk to your adviser, the chances of it transferring could be in your favor as long as you ask.
Course Name/Rating:

Japanese 2B
Course Department: Japanese
Instructor: Noguchi
Instruction Language: English and Japanese
Comments: It was a bit challenging, but Noguchi-sensei was a very patient and amazing teacher. Noguchi-sensei taught us well, and had us go out into Tokyo to practice our Japanese conversation skills. I believe I participated the normal amount. We were assessed through presentations, homework, and quizzes.
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope, I didn't. But it doesn't hurt to ask the adviser who can see what it will transfer for, the worst that could happen is that it could be counted as an elective.