The adventure of a lifetime. Past Review
By Summer K (Music Education, University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/25/2013 with
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned about what it REALLY means to live a life filled with riches. No, not money, not praise. But the "wealth" found in happiness, in examples of kindness, and human decency. So my answer is, Yes- absolutely, my experience abroad was worth while.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
Very organized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Clean, convenient, organized. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Beautiful culture, with beautiful people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I became extremely ill within my first week in Japan. I was very well taken care of, but the health insurance I signed up for in Japan took some time to begin working. So I had to pay full price for my medical care, but I was reimbursed later. |
| * 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) |
Public transportation took up most of my expenses. There are so many great things to do, its hard not to spend some money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you come to Japan, buy a bike. It saves so much time and it can save a lot of money for short distance trips. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | none |
| 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? | Apply what you know in conversation |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Learn how to read basic characters/words before moving. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
