Copious Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/17/2017 to 05/25/2017 with

Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worth all the time and effort I put into completing the requirements to go. I want to go back to keep learning Japanese. I can never replace the memories that I made.

Review Photos

Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program Photo Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program Photo Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program Photo Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Asian Studies Program 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:

* 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

It was the best time of my life. For my first experience outside of the United States, it was overall the best. I couldn't have done it without the help of others and new friends that I made.

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? Around 100 dollars (travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask around for the best prices on food and best ways to travel.

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? Beginner
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? 101 level
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? Talk to as many Japanese students as you can

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • Japanese class
  • Main tourist cities are close by
  • Meeting international students
* What could be improved?
  • Timing the japanese students come at a later time in the year.
  • The random system of classes and how to get them
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That pocket wifi is essential to traveling in Japan for foreign students.

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!