Getting to know Mitaka Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not think that the program was academically rigorous, but that's what allowed me to spend my time having new experiences outside the classroom, and explore the society I was living in, which was extremely valuable.

On-site administration of your program

The administrators at the school abroad in Japan were extremely helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There are many different housing options at ICU, so I liked that I could chose the one that I thought would best suit me.

Cafeteria food is good, although it's usually the same thing over and over. But, there are also many cheap restaurants and grocery stores so it's easy to live economically.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Especially through dorm culture and community engagement, I felt like I was very integrated in the culture. However, there are always boundaries between regular Japanese students and exchange students, and you have to be persistent to overcome them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was very simple because I was covered partially by the Japanese national health insurance. I only had to pay 10% of the cost whenever I saw a doctor or whenever I went to the pharmacy for medicine. It was different from my old insurance, which used to cover more than that, but as long as brought enough money with me to my appointment or to the pharmacy it was alright. The healthcare office at ICU was also incredibly helpful in setting me up with any kind of doctor that I needed to see.

Japan has a very low crime rate, and I was never the victim of any crime. Although I did experience earthquakes, they were only small ones. Plus, ICU mandates all students to attend an evacuation training, so I felt prepared for an incident like that.

I do wish that there had been fewer english-speaking students around me, but overall I think that this program provides something unique in that it connects you to local volunteer organizations and allows you to take a trip that relates to sustainability.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I cooked a lot to save money.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

There is a language pledge. However, the proximity we have to other English-speaking exchange students often causes that to be difficult to strictly adhere to.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Sustainability
• living in beautiful Mitaka
• university culture, as in club and dorm activities

• environment- in terms of English-speakers

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer