An Unforgettable and Amazing Experience Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 09/05/2017 to 12/23/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Kyoto - Semester in Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better understanding of the Japanese culture and language and just how beautiful they are. It was definitely worthwhile!

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Kyoto - Semester in Japan Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Kyoto - Semester in Japan Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

It was pretty difficult to find English speaking doctors. You can't use your international health insurance there even if you had purchased it beforehand. We all had to pay for a local health insurance, which was fortunately cheap.

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk as much as possible, which isn't difficult because everything is conveniently close-by. Buy a day bus pass if you're going to ride the bus 3+ times. Sometimes it can be cheaper to eat out than to cook at home.

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

All classes were taught in Japanese and the students were expected to respond in Japanese.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2B
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? Make Japanese friends! There are many clubs at the school where you can speak with Japanese students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The school
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Amount of hours in class should be shortened
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How long the classes would be

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!