持続可能な信頼関係 Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2018 to 11/30/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo
We had lots of traditional Japanese experiences that we definitely would not have had on any other program. For example, we cut rice and wood, got to experience classes with middle schoolers, and went to public baths. It took some effort and was a little nerve wracking at first, but I made lots of friends at well, both locally and internationally.
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. |
A highly-structured program with great faculty. The academic rigor at ICU was less intensive than at elite liberal arts colleges, which could serve as an advantage or a disadvantage, but overall the courses offered were informative. The staff were always eager to help students and there were plenty of resources available to those who needed help with financial issues, housing logistics, 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? |
I think this is probably the biggest complaint about the program. I had one of two singles in the international dorm, Dialogue House, which is basically English-speaking students only. This can pose a problem obviously to those who want to be immersed in Japanese. I think I found it less bothersome in my case because I didn’t have to interact with a roommate and could just immerse myself in Japanese homework/books if I wanted to. However, I enjoyed the DH community and the amenities provided (fridge, microwave, private BR, etc.). it might be good to request another dorm if you’re seeking to completely immerse yourself, but again, I didn’t feel it a big problem. |
| * Food: |
Japan has amazing food. Only complaint is it’s expensice. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because of my dorming situation, I felt more integrated with the international students than with Japanese students. However, I did meet people through clubs and events. Do these things as much as possible!! You can definitely make friends through class but it takes more of an effort. |
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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 made a lot of friends and actually learned a lot more Japanese than I realized. And even though Mitaka is far from central Tokyo, I found it a nice getaway from the buzz of metropolitan life that was also still close enough if you wanted to go out. |
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 very expensive and transportation is a wreck on your wallet. I lived off of combini meals and eat less than most people so food wasn’t a big issue for me personally, but for others it is. Try to make friends in the other dorms that have access to kitchens, or learn how to cook rice and other foods in the microwave. |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Japanese 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? | If in Dialogue House, attend events/go to clubs!! |
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? | I wish I went to more events before to meet even more Japanese people. I actually found they were the best way to make local friends. |
