Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventures in Tokyo Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 03/16/2019 to 06/25/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved living in Japan, it was amazing to experience the culture, especially being a student. Yes, it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Japanese language program at ICU was very good, and the Middlebury required culture class is excellent. Other content courses in Japanese, not so rigorous. I chose a bad content course to take, perhaps taking one in English with international faculty would have been better.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were excellent! Helped me with any problems or concerns, the best! Always available for you and very kind !

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent facilities, not so good WiFi, good if you connected to the LAN system.

* Food:

Repetitive and if you are only there for the semester your dorm (Dialogue House) has no kitchen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you are there for only a semester it will be really hard to integrate to club activities since you are so new and everyone knows you are leaving. I would recommend non-sports clubs as people are friendlier and more chill.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Everything was excellent, ICU is very good at referring you to health clinics.

* Safety:

Japan and ICU are very safe.

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

I would choose a different content course, have a better academic experience with my ICU course and spend less money (spend smarter)

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)

Japan is super expensive, especially transportation.

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? Look up student discounts and karaoke discounts! Don't go to karaoke but in free-time hours.

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

English was not allowed in the program.

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? 308
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make Japanese friends! They are all very nice and will help you practice Japanese!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Japanese food
  • Location, Mitaka is a nice neighborhood
  • Middlebury staff
* What could be improved?
  • ICU content courses (advice on what to take)
  • Have a public transportation pass
  • Have dorms with kitchens
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Better places to eat around the area that are not the cafeteria and not terribly expensive. How rigid the senpai/kouhai relationship is in sport club activities.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.