Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My overall experience was well worth it. Past Review

By (Religion and history, Berea College) - abroad from 05/30/2015 to 06/29/2015 with

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new desire to learn more about the world around me and its similarities as well as new friends and knowledge of a different culture.

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 education experience was wonderful. I learned so much more information on the Japanese religion and history subjects and the majority of this information was learned through seeing the history and religions in the cities and historical areas we went to, which made learning even more effective.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was very well structured and organized. Precautions were taken and misshapens did not occur often.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangments were great the majority of the time. The environment was almost always comfortable.

* Food:

I enjoyed the food to the greatest degree. It was healthy and fun to try so many different cuisines.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated much of the time. Residents were often very kind, welcoming, and welling to teach the culture to me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care was fine. There were few health issues that were made present and these were often quickly taken care of.

* Safety:

Safety was great as well. I would advise student to always keep and ID with them and their directors number because I did experience a time were I got lost, but I was quickly found and aided.

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)

Very easily, the budget was pleasant.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $110.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Wait towards your last couple of weeks to purchase souvenirs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • I liked how organized everything was.
  • I liked the support and encouragement the staff gave.
* What could be improved?
  • The preparations before traveling abroad.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have learned at least the basics of the language before I went.

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!