Kansai Gaidai is the best! Past Review
By Joseph J (Japanese Language and Literature., SUNY - Albany) - abroad from 02/03/2014 to 05/23/2014 with
Kansai Gaidai University: Hirakata - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about Japanese culture and their lifestyle. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There courses were intense but very satisfying, I learned so much there. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay was very fun and I really enjoyed eating an authentic homemade Japanese meal every night. The dorms are also very nice and comforable. |
| * Food: |
The food is spectacular |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyday I got to meet new people and practice speaking Japanese |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick my first day and it was very easy to get an appointment for the hospital. |
| * Safety: |
It is very safe. I have spent many nights exploring without ever having to worry about my safety |
| 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) |
It is very cheap to eat in Japan, but the food is so good you always buy a lot of it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't try to do everything at once. Pick a few things you want to do each week. For example, one week is traveling and exploring Kyoto and the next is going to Karaoke |
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 |
It is very important to try and learn the language because it opens your options and opportunities to make new friends and enjoy new experiences |
| 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 |
| 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? | Practice conversations that you think you will have, it will help with your confidence when speaking and will make your more susceptible to the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I knew a little more about Homestay, but each house is different so it's not something that you can really prepare for. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
