AMAZING Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 05/18/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

Hokkaido University: Sapporo - Exchange Programs in English / HUSTEP

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Best experience of my life. Opened up a whole new world to me. Simply the best part of my college career hands down.

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:

Best food I've ever had, easily

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was extremely nice

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just to space out their money, and give themselves allowances for each day

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 years of german in highschool
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? practice practice practice

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • food
  • culture
  • the people
* What could be improved?
  • make it longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? about the electronic translators that everyone had