Lots of opportunities to learn about Japan inside and outside the classroom! Past Review

By (University of North Texas) - abroad from 08/27/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I really improved my language skills by talking to people both on and off campus, so I definitely think it was worthwhile!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture Photo IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture Photo IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture Photo IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture Photo IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Safety:

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

The staff and students were all very welcoming and kind, and I enjoyed being able to learn in that environment with my friends!

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? about $50 (I lived in the apartments and had to buy my own groceries)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring some snacks/other supplies from home so that you won't have to buy them here (and you'll have a little piece of home with you!).

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

I was able to take more classes focused on the language, which were taught in Japanese. IES courses are English-taught, so normally, you only have one language class.

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? 3rd-year Japanese (second semester) at my home university
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? The partner university has different programs for you and a language partner to practice having conversations in each other's languages, and I know my friends really enjoyed doing them!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location
  • class options
  • field trips
* What could be improved?
  • orientation details
  • departure details
  • class schedules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? IES courses (besides Japanese) are held once a week, meaning each class is about 3 hours with a little break halfway through.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!