The Online Japanese Lessons April 08, 2021
By Kiana White (Georgetown College) - abroad from 09/01/2020 to 04/09/2021 with
Genki Japanese and Culture School: Online Lessons
I have learned a lot about Japanese culture and the Japanese language through the online lesson. It was and is very worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All of the teachers are amazing. They are very intentional and take the time to explain something if you are having trouble understanding. The homework assigned is challenging and engaging, allowing you the opportunity to practice what you learned in that days class. You can choose between online group classes or online private lessons. I have taken both and they are both great. Group lessons you have the opportunity to work together as a class, while private lessons the classes are more suited to you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They are very quick to respond to emails and help with any trouble you may have. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
N/A for online lessons. |
| * Food: |
N/A for online lessons. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
N/A for online lessons. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A for online lessons. |
| * Safety: |
N/A for online lessons. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This school is overall amazing. When COVID hit, they very quickly and swiftly changed to affordable online lessons. Making it very accessible to anyone to continue studying at their school if they wanted to. They even have complete online tutorials showing you how to use Zoom, GoogleClassroom, and anything else you would need for your online class if you are not tech savvy or familiar with the programs. The teachers are amazing to work with your skill level and keep the classes interesting. The school is really good at accommodating classes to your schedule, even if you live in a different country and timezone! |
Finances
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* 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) |
For some (especially college students) the classes might be on the more expensive side. But, for absolute beginners I think this school is the best and is still affordable. I work as a full time teacher and take classes once a week for an hour and I never think twice about the price for the online lessons. If you make a budget, it is very easy. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | N/A for online lessons. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | N/A for online lessons. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
This school really pushes for 100% Japanese learning. The teacher will speak to you in all Japanese and expects all Japanese in return. The textbook is in Japanese and English. But, if you really cannot understand, sometimes they will use English to explain. But, in the long run in my opinion, the all Japanese lessons make it easier to learn. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Finding a language exchange partner is very helpful! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That some things would be done on Word/Excel, so I should have purchased it for my laptop. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
