Study in Tokyo: Expensive but Worth It! Past Review

By (Linguistics., The College of William and Mary) for

Keio University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worth it! I have no regrets for going only regrets for not doing more while I was there. I think everyone I know that went feels the same. I have never known anyone to regret going once one gets back, but I know plenty who wish they had gone but never did.

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

The administrators were always willing to meet with you if need be, but sometimes messages would be lost (or at least I wouldn't receive them) on important events or deadlines.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for scholarships beforehand and, also, if need be part time jobs (for English teachers especially) are not too difficult to find if one takes the time to look. One has to apply for a work permit in order to work legally with a student visa, but the process is time-consuming but quite simple.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Japanese 102
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The teachers; yes; most of the foreign students did

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save money beforehand so that when you get there you can do everything you want. I personally wish I had been more responsible with my money so I could have traveled more outside of Tokyo.