Definitely worth it. Past Review

By (Computer Science And Engineering, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 10/01/2013 to 08/04/2014 with

Hirosaki University: Hirosaki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I gained/learned abroad, I feel, cannot simply be answered in this box.

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?

During my stay in Japan, I never became sick. Therefore, I have never had the chance to experience Japanese healthcare

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? The amount of money spent per week usually heavily depends on what events are happening during the week and what clubs you are involved in
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always stay on top of your utilities (be aware and keep track of how much gas, water, electricity you are using)

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese III
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always study a little every day.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • New experience
* What could be improved?
  • Information that is provided at Umaine to the individuals going abroad
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not much. I really did a lot of research before coming here, and had most things all figured out.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'