Japan: Learning from the Modern Wonder Past Review
By Timothy H (Japanese Language and Literature., Austin College) for
IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture
I understand that I know very little about Japan and must go back to learn more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty and people were easily and readily accessible as well as friendly and willing to help, although the classes were limited. Everything else was well done. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Trips to other parts of Japan with the other study abroad students were great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent at least 1000 yen around 15 dollars every saturday for lunch and anywhere from 500 to 1500 yen 7 to 20 dollars on weekdays for just lunch. Transportation can also be extremely expensive. If you plan to travel, I would suggest putting aside at least 50 dollars for anytime you go around town. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is better to plan to spend more than to spend less. Plan like you are horrible with spending moneyu and than live like you are great at spending money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 202 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My host family was my major source of encouragement and improvement, and without them I doubt I would have improved very much at all. The majority of the students and teachers spoke English, but I was still able to use the native language on a daily basis. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do not expect it to be language intensive in any way. |
