Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

KCP International , you will love the Experience! Past Review

By (KCP Study Abroad, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 10/11/2014 to 12/23/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
To be a well rounded person, and my world certainly got bigger due to traveling. Higher self esteem.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great job, in the 3 short months that I was in Tokyo, I learned a lot.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed staying in Ikebukuro, it was located in the middle of everything, Very close to the trains, and I was able to go to 711's and local restaurants. If you don't mind a smaller room, I would suggest highly suggest Ikebukuro.

* Food:

Food was not an issue, although I was on a budget I was able to find meals to fit my needs. If you are a picky eater like me, don't worry they have a lot of American food that we are used to having, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed the culture classes a lot. It was nice to go in a group and learn about Japan .

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues when I was in Japan .

* Safety:

I felt safe, at no time did I feel at risk at all. I even ventured out at night to get a snack or dinner.

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)

I was on a budget for sure, and I had no problem finding restaurants to go to that I could afford.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $120.00 to $170.00 US dollars , food, water, and snacks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I basically ate at McDonald's a lot and Burger King. I also went to the 7 11 and purchased some snacks. I did not cook, I chose to go out and it all worked out fine. I did go to 7 11 to get money from the debit machine . I also did come to Japan with some Yen's, which was very helpful.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 4 years of High School Japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Go on a Japanese language web site and ask to Skype each other, or find Face Book friends from Japan , they may be able to help you. I was lucky enough to have some friends from Japan. My University didnot have Japanese as a course.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Teachers
  • International friends I met
  • culture classes
* What could be improved?
  • Have a gym available to use
  • FInd a way to be able to have locals communicate with students more in Japanese
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would of stayed for 2 semesters instead of 1 . I probably would not of brought as many clothes. I wish that I could of made more Japanese friends which is very hard to do.

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!