Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely Unforgettable Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/14/2017 with

Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies / KCJS

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did my language skills improve, but my understanding of Japanese culture and day-to-day life greatly increased in depth and breadth. I also gained some insight about the ins and outs of Japanese business, particularly in the pop culture industry, since I hope to work in the field.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

I picked KCJS because I felt it suited my needs as a Japanese Language and Culture major, and I do feel that it provided me with a well-rounded but focused Japanese Studies experience.

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)

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? Japanese 202 (Intermediate Japanese)
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Location (Kyoto generally, Doshisha University campus specifically)
  • Faculty and staff were good at their jobs and very accessible
  • Encouragement to live in homestay
* What could be improved?
  • My homestay was close but many of my classmates lived REALLY far from campus (like, in Osaka) and it was a bit of a hassle
  • Workload sometimes kept me from going out and ~experiencing Kyoto~
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you use the Kyoto city bus, just get the 3-month pass instead of three one-month passes. It's so much less of a hassle.

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!