Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Lovely Experience ! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/21/2018 to 11/20/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about Japanese language, and current issues in Japan. In my opinion, it was worthwhile, for sure.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was a nice program ! Although, it's pre-structured to fit the Middlebury Japanese Dept/school curricula, so don't be surprised when there is less freedom.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 90 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook wherever possible, and buy from supermarkets rather than convenience stores.

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

There was a pledge to use the target language, as much as possible, wherever possible.

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? JAPN 202 (Second-year Japanese)
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? Talk to people, and actively practice between the other participants too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Encouragement to use only Japanese
  • Interaction with local community
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • # of staff/Middlebury-affilated persons
  • Getting credit post-abroad for writing-heavy classes
  • Housing situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing ! I think I was happier walking in without expecting too much on my part.

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 Linguist
You 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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

JLP 6
Course Department: Japanese Language Program
Instructor: Hosaka
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: It was challenging, but it was rewarding to finish the course material. Expect a decent amount of homework.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Cultural Portfolio:Exploration
Course Department: Middlebury Schools Abroad
Instructor: Eda
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: There were many outside-of-class activities to do that helped to actualize a lot of what I was learning in-class. There were many field trips!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Reflective Writing:ePortfolio
Course Department: Middlebury Schools Abroad
Instructor: Eda
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: It was nice to collect and create writing about my time abroad. Sometimes, the amount of work is a bit tedious.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Community Engagement
Course Department: Middlebury Schools Abroad
Instructor: Eda
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: It was a nice, challenging experience to work with local partners in a internship/community-service setting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Music, Stage, and Screen
Course Department: Music
Instructor: Satou
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: Course is heavily lecture-based, but the material is not too bad considering there are many English alternatives, in terms of subtitled-videos and alternate reading materials.
Credit Transfer Issues: