Came to learn, stayed to party. Past Review
By Dillon L (international affairs, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 10/06/2014 to 08/06/2015 with
Hirosaki University: Hirosaki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Cliche, but I learned a lot about myself. In reality, you'll learn what you want to learn here.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The content courses are where it's at. The language courses wear on you pretty quickly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Too much bureaucracy creates an unwelcome feeling. Things can become chaotic and unmanageable if even the smallest thing goes wrong. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Cheap, comfortable, and close to school. It's small, but I'm big and it's Japan. Can't complain. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Get a host family and be social. Cliques will form for foreigners but that's life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It's like Maine, but safer. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
If you get JASSO you're set. If not you'll have to watch your spending as Japan is pretty costly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 15000¥ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy bulk groceries, take buses instead of trains, conserve gas/hot water. |
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 |
Some professors were pretty crappy, most are great. You'll speak japanese every class. Shocker |
| 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? | 202 |
| 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? | Make friends and try your best not to rely on other's English skills. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | 1: You might get Jasso, if you do you can still live in the dorm. 2: It's not just language classes, most of your classes will be bilingual. 3: Most, if not all, of UMaine's info is old or flat out incorrect. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
