Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Wayfaring Stranger Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 05/28/2016 to 06/27/2016 with

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From the courses I took I gained a broad knowledge about the historical and social context pertaining to gender roles and religion and spirituality in Japan. I experienced first hand family relationships and gleaned much from living with a host family for a week. And as an American traveling to a different country I learned much about myself and the global presence of the United States.

Review Photos

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Japan (Summer) 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.

* 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

My time in Japan was among the most influential experiences I have had in my four years of college. The amount of learning, seeing, and doing that we were involved in was invigorating and provided a depth of knowledge and sights about the country. I also experienced personal discovery and growth as it was my first time out of my home country.

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? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to not spend much money on tourist items and gift shopping.

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? None
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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to take at least one or two language courses of the respective country before you travel.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The ability to see and discuss first hand what our courses were discussing
  • Being with a group of professors who had great knowledge banks on Japanese history and culture.
  • Having the opportunity to see a country that I had studied in depth prior to visiting.
* What could be improved?
  • More time in the country, at no extra cost!
  • One or two more free days, or perhaps a few more free evenings.
  • Seeing more parts of the country, or spending less time in one place.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have studied the language even a little bit, so I would be able to pick up on it more as I was there.

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!