Just throwing yourself out there usually works pretty well Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2016 to 11/22/2016 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo
Japanese language skills/more cultural understanding, learning that I can function in a foreign country on my own. Yes, it was worthwhile
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? |
No kitchen in the dorm I was placed in--limited my eating options. |
| * Food: |
No kitchen, cafeteria food was okay, but I would have enjoyed more options/vegetables. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's difficult to integrate with the Japanese community, but Middlebury's cultural engagement is probably the best way of going about it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Not able to comment, had no health issues |
| * Safety: |
Tokyo is one of the safest cities, following basic safety rules will prevent most situations. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I liked living in Tokyo, I liked the international feel of the school, and I liked a lot of the students I met. The Middlebury students were also fantastic, and Middlebury's volunteer component was probably one of the strongest parts of the program. (also the Tottori trip!!) |
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) |
Tokyo is expensive--transport costs to go out add up very quick, as does the cafeteria food (~$10/day if you eat 3 meals) so be aware. Club fees are also typically around $30 per term. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a bike to help with bus costs, buy groceries to cook for yourself if your dorm has a kitchen, try to go out only on weekends. |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | 201 |
| 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? | Finding a best friend/a group of friend who don't speak English (aka join a club, host family, volunteer group, etc) is the easiest and most fun way to practice. Also, reading manga, light novels, kids books, watching TV, are all fun ways to practice reading/listening. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | It may be lighter than a typical semester, but going abroad will challenge you in different ways. Also, you improve as much as you put in--try to use language as much as possible. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
