Plunged deep into Tokyo Past Review

By (Japanese Language and Literature., Carthage College) - abroad from 10/10/2013 to 06/20/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. If I've gained anything from this program, it's that there is always so much more to learn and you shouldn't get discouraged if you don't understand it all right away. Let the education come to you rather than trying to force it down because it won't stay that way.

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.

Classes are 3 hours a day every weekday. Expect to learn a lot of grammar, kanji, and do plenty of listening practice in that time. Don't get discouraged, though, it is manageable and KCP's teachers are willing to work with you if you ask for help. If you don't understand or need help, be sure to ask! It works wonders.

* 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

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home when you have time. Buying ingredients for simple meals saves a ton of money!

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? Elementary Japanese
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? Go outside and talk to people. Also, hang out with students in your class that don't speak English. They love hanging out with English speakers, so you'll have plenty of opportunities!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • Excursions with entire class
* What could be improved?
  • Conversation experience with native speakers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing for Japan weather is important. Don't bring all of the same thing because you will either freeze or bake in the cold/heat.

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!