A Humbling Experience Past Review

By (Art History and Japanese, San Jose State University) - abroad from 09/12/2011 to 07/13/2012 with

Kwansei Gakuin University: Nishinomiya - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more perspective on the similarities and differences between the Japanese and American cultures. I found my participation in this program to be worthwhile.

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? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly $80-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If a student receives the JASSO scholarship while studying abroad, I would advise them to save a portion of it each month, so that student is able to go on spur of the moment trips.

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? Japanese 25B
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? Participating in volunteer work is helpful and rewarding.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • strong professors
  • interesting classes
  • helpful international office
* What could be improved?
  • Incorporation of Japanese students
  • introducing and meeting the spring study abroad students
  • common cafeteria with Japanese students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would of known that the study abroad program classes were filled with predominately international students.