Hiroshima and Peace: Changed my views of world peace! Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for

Hiroshima City University (HCU): Hiroshima - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many positive things from my experience abroad. Although it was relatively short, I feel that my grasp on Japanese language and culture has improved. I was also able to meet and become friends with people who travelled to Japan from around the world! I learned a lot from the program too and feel that I can do something to make the world a better place with the knowledge I've gained from the course.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The lectures were a bit long compared to classes at UH and the class days were long (to make up for the short duration of the program). Other than that, the style of teaching and the content of the lectures were similar to that at UH.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was very accomodating and helped me transition between my two host families (who were very friendly and nice also).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host families were very kind and lived close to the university. I also feel that I was able to learn more Japanese than if I had stayed in a dorm or hotel.

* Food:

I like Japanese food, so I enjoyed all of the food I ate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I thought it was very nice that the Japanese students arranged many fun events for everyone to participate in. As far as special events are concerned, I thought the trip to the Hiroshima memorial of the atomic bombing was signficant.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There were never any student health issues brought up (probably because there were no health problems), but I felt very safe in my surroundings.

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

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I gained a better sense of what peace means to me and how to be a better person (as strange as that sounds).