Summer is too short to learn Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Cleveland State University) - abroad from 06/25/2012 to 08/17/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My listening has gotten a little better, still need to improve my speaking.

Review Photos

KCP International: Tokyo - Japanese Language School Photo KCP International: Tokyo - Japanese Language School Photo KCP International: Tokyo - Japanese Language School 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.

The school provides great help and resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

If you want to meet friends, then staying in a dorm is a good choice for you.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people are helpful and interesting.

* 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? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe 1000 yen
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save alot of money before coming to Japan.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? japanese level 1
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? Take to two years of Japanese. Practice everyday.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The school, people and food.
* What could be improved?
  • The host family shouldn't give early curfews.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have stayed in the dorms.