The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Theater; Japanese, Western Washington University) - abroad from 04/06/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

KCP International Japanese Language School: Tokyo - Intensive Japanese Language Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained language skills, friends, incredible memories, and a new life goal--to return to Japan as soon as I graduate to continue my schooling at KCP.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

Purchased my own 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $150 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There's lots of free to low cost entertainment in Tokyo to be had if you love museums and temples and parks and such and avoid the financial blackholes like clubs and maid cafes.

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
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? Making friends that don't speak English! Attending a truly international school like KCP was key for this. Also, initiating conversations with people as you go about your daily life.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The intensive language instruction
  • The culturally-immersive extracurriculars
  • The prime dorm location and single rooms
* What could be improved?
  • Jeez, honestly can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt extremely well prepared--KCP provided a wonderfully detailed handbook and Western Washington University was very forthcoming with pertinent information.