Forever thankful for IES Tokyo Past Review

By (Augsburg University) - abroad from 03/27/2018 to 07/15/2018 with

IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned how to be much more independent and also I became more confident in myself.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture Photo

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:

The food was amazing and I miss it so much.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Through IES we received various opportunities to do so and I took advantage of them all. I do know some people who did not and If they were to fill this out there score would probably be lower.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, I was taken In a taxi immediately and even though I couldn't understand what the doctors were saying there was a translator by my side at all times.

* Safety:

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

Every day felt like a dream to me. The people I met and all the memories we made make me want to go back.

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)

Personally I went over board and ate out a lot and shopped a lot. I did come prepared and saved a lot of money, but I could've budgeted better.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 160
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? best time to eat out is during lunch cause they have lunch menus. Make a daily/weekly budget! If your housing provides meals take advantage of them as much as you can!!

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? None
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? None
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? Just practice every chance you get. Through texting or just chatting with friends. You'll hear it everywhere so it will be easier as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The people you meet
  • The location
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to save money EAT your housing free meals you'll save a lot.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.