Learning to use language to form friendships Past Review
By Mika M (Cinema and Media Studies (Production Concentration), Wellesley College) - abroad from 03/15/2016 to 06/27/2016 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to meet many new people in Japan, and go to new places. It inspired me to apply for jobs in Japan.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved how organized Middlebury was, and the administration that advised us. I also felt that my language level drastically improved, and the teachers were willing to give extra help. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends on the week, but $40-$60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to buy too many things from convenience stores, because that adds up to be expensive. It's far, but try going to the grocery store! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | JPN 305 |
| 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? | A lot of people recommend to try not to hang around those who are there studying abroad with you. I disagree. Just try to go out more and meet more people WITH them! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That there was no Special Japanese classes except for level 3 offered in the spring. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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