Just The Beginning Past Review

By (Kean University) - abroad from 06/23/2018 to 07/21/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The beginning of my adventures started when I was approved to go to Japan under CISabroad. From the moment I landed and met with my program adviser and coordinator Jeff Sinding, I knew I was going to have a great experience in Tokyo. Because of CISabroad, I was able to be located in a quiet neighborhood called Nakanobu, Tokyo. My school was located in Gotanda, which was just two stops away. My school was beautiful and my apartment was cozy.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Japan Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

Everything was so convenient because CISabroad placed us by multiple restaurants and grocery stores that sell affordable produce. There’s really nowhere else where I can get such a great deal of a program that provides housing, guides you to multiple transportation options, education, and a phenomenal experience. If I could study abroad again, I would sign up with them in a heartbeat.

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? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? APPLY APPLY APPLY for scholarships!!

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? 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? Honestly, if you don’t try to study or talk to others in the language around you, you’ll have a difficult time abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • School
  • Environment
  • Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation Options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Japan was majority a "cash only" country. We weren't placed near any foreign banks so I had to ask family to wire me money.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.