Best Program for Study in Japan!! Past Review

By (Japanese Language and Literature., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 06/28/2014 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt a higher level of confidence not only in my language ability but also in my own independence. It was a great opportunity to be a part of another culture's university system and experience life for a year outside of the U.S. Every moment was amazing.

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 language classes were pretty tough, but all of the content courses were really easy. It really does take lot of effort to do well in the intensive language courses. One class meets for several hours four days a week. Expect to spend about the same time on an intensive language course as you would a Wellesley class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in one of the new dormitories, and the facilities are excellent and very convenient. The only downside was the restricted freedom. There is a curfew at 11:30 when you cannot leave the dorm, and you are not allowed to enter any dorm floor other than your own. It was a coed dorm, but genders could only mix in common areas. And no outside guests were allowed! You had to go out when you wanted to hang out with friends from other new dorms.

* Food:

There is an on campus dining hall. The food quality and selection is quite nice. The hours for the dining hall were comparatively shorter than Wellesleys though. Ultimately a good place to eat and hang out with friends.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Suburban Tokyo is incredibly safe! Tokyo as a whole also feels very non-threatening, even in regards to nightlife in the city I have felt quite safe.

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)

We received a stipend that made life in Japan quite livable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $650
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook! Pick a dorm with a nice kitchen and socialize with your dorm mates while saving money! Also, Japan runs in cash, so try keep track of what you spend. Get a bicycle and don't ride the bus to the station if you can help it.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? JPN 202
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? Ask your professor for a tutor; I got a student tutor whose studying to teach Japanese abroad, and it was a beneficial experience for both of us.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Rigorous language courses
  • Energetic program advisor who always encouraged our independence
  • The opportunity to live alongside local studebts
* What could be improved?
  • The inability to take courses in the Japan Studies department due to the language pledge
  • The strict security of the dormitories
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to work hard for the language courses! You can go a very, very long way towards fluency if you put the work in.