Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best introduction into Japanese Life Past Review

By (Northern Michigan University) - abroad from 05/04/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

JCMU Japan Center: Faculty-led Short Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained respect for the country and studying abroad in general. This program lit a fire in my belly and I went on to study abroad for a little over a year in two other countries.

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:

* 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 short program I as on was called crossroads of Japan. I gave an in depth look at the history of the Shiga Prefecture. I loved learning so much and being immersed in Japanese culture.

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)

you could get away with 3 dollars a meal a day. I was super cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? convert your money in country the rate of conversion is much better than state side.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • How small the program was
  • How much information was covered
* What could be improved?
  • Longer length of time
  • more books on the subjects
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to study as hard as if you were home. Even though you are in a foreign place, you can't surk your duties. You can still visit the area but don't slack off.Japanese studies are intense.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'