Kyoto University KUINEP Exchange Past Review

By (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 10/04/2011 to 09/24/2012 with

Kyoto University: Kyoto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
this exchange was very worthwhile. there are many things that i had to do for the first time and had to do it in another language, by accomplishing these things it gave me confidence in myself and language ability.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

depending on your major, class selection may be rough.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

cant go wrong with the price.

* Food:

theres a kitchen but unfortunately no oven.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

no matter where you go its up to you to go out and meet people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

never had any problems.

* Safety:

overall japan is a very safe country. however, in kyoto biking will more than likely be your main mode of transportation and sometimes the streets can be lawless.

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)

things in japan can of course be very expensive but it is very possible to make it on a student budget, especially if your are living in the dorms because they are very cheap.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* 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? 200

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? might sound odd but try to make friends with japanese people who are not particularly interested in meeting foreigners. those type of friendships tend to form more naturally.

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

  • 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?
  • general opportunity to study abroad in kyoto
* What could be improved?
  • class selection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? even if your japanese is only at an intermediate level it is still possible to take and pass some courses in japanese, therefore making the general exchange a more viable option.