Fun and Psuedo-Independent Experience Past Review
By Melissa C W (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 07/31/2013 with
Japan Women's University: Tokyo & Kawasaki City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I got the opportunity to have a fun and what I am describing as a pseudo-independent experience. I say that because while I did live with a host family and had professors and staff who were invested in my well-being, comfort, and happiness, I also had the opportunity to explore an entirely new country mostly alone. I was able to obtain a look into the real-world. I not only had friends who were students but foreign friends who were working in Japan as well. As a college student, I am already in the limbo of childhood and adulthood and the ambiguity that accompanies that uncertainty; and with this trip I got to experience a life away from my family and for me that thrust me further into adulthood. I know that I was definitely able to learn more about myself and other people whilst there. In general, I just enjoyed being there. I didn't have to do anything for me to just be happy and excited to be in Tokyo and Japan.
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. |
Comparatively, classes are not very difficult and the professors are extremely kind and understanding. It's a bit tough if you want to take a real Japanese class, but the professors will be excited to have you in the class. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were all very kind to me and were always willing to help if I needed it. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the home stay experience and I think it is best for being in Japan for so long. It was very helpful to be around them especially with the more bureaucratic side of Japan. |
| * Food: |
For me, food was no issue at all and 99% of what I had was delicious. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I think that the JWU professors do a good job at introducing you to Japanese culture and they have a few field trips throughout the year that are mostly around Tokyo. My host family was also very kind in making me comfortable and welcome in their family. I didn't have too much trouble making Japanese friends who knew some English. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Japan requires you to have national health insurance, which isn't too expensive and can easily be paid for at any convenience store. I went to a clinic once for a cold that I had. My professor showed me to one nearby that had a doctor who could speak English. I only went once, but I had no problems; and they provided me with a little booklet in which I could keep a log of the medicines that I had taken. If I were at home, I probably would have just bought some OTC medicine, but I was told that it's cheaper if you just go to a clinic, especially since I had national health insurance. Also, Japan is quite clean, especially in comparison with the U.S., so most sick people, including myself, wore face masks to keep the spread of germs to a minimum. |
| * Safety: |
I had no safety concerns in Tokyo what so ever. I frequently walked around at night alone and with friends (both male and female) and never once felt that I was not safe. I have heard other stories in which some foreign women in Japan did feel unsafe, but overall it's a comparatively safe country. But, of course every case is different and one must be cautious as a woman, especially in a foreign country. |
| 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) |
I found the stipend to be enough for living in Tokyo and experiencing Japan. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Normally around $65. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep some money in hidden places for yourself. It'll be a surprise when you're cleaning up and you find that. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2nd year Japanese language at Wellesley College |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk with your host family and Japanese friends while in Japan. They are more than willing to help out as much as possible. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That having a phone plan is expensive and it's better and cheaper to have a prepaid phone. And I had to be 20 to get a phone on my own. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
