Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My study abroad experience was one I'll never forget Past Review

By (Brookdale Community College) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 08/16/2017 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Tokyo - KCP International Language Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how different yet how similar other cultures and societies can be. This was my first time traveling and my time in Japan has encouraged me to keep exploring.

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.

KCP is a fantastic school. I was in the level one course so my classes weren't too challenging, but I definitely learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the teachers and staff at KCP were fantastic. They are happy to help with any problems and everyone was super friendly and nice. They genuinely want you to succeed and enjoy yourself along the way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My dorm was a bit small but it was a great experience. Very comfortable living in a nice area. The commute was a bit long but I didn't mind.

* Food:

I was really nervous about going to Japan in regards to food because I hate seafood. But there was plenty for me to have and I loved being able to try new things.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being there for a few days got me accommodated to the area. After just a week, I had felt like I had been living there my entire life. I absolutely loved it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad, but a friend that I had made at KCP had to go to the doctor a few times. She had only good things to say about how understanding the doctors were and how helpful the KCP staff was.

* Safety:

There was not a single time that I felt unsafe being on my own. The only scary thing was the earthquakes, But I got used to them

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would love to go to KCP again. Being there opened my mind and inspired me to continue studying Japanese.

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? About $100 a week

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

No English was allowed in the classroom so you absolutely have to speak Japanese. Learning through immersion like this really helped me.

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 II
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • The people (staff/students/locals)
  • The culture
  • The immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Level placement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Whatever level you are placed in, you will most likely stay in, so be prepared to adapt to whatever class you are in.

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!