Great time Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/19/2019 to 11/23/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I loved learning.

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 academics were manageable even though we didn't have wifi availabe in our dorms. Another problem was that we didn't have any study spaces available late. My roommate and I had to buy our own wifi.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very kind and welcoming. Always willing to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We didn't have any wifi in our dorms. It was hard to study because they wouldn't let students study in other dorms and our dorm parents would turn the lights off at 9pm, therefore it was hard to study after 9pm. We didn't have a kitchen either.

* Food:

It was actually really delicious, but I had to pay out of pocket for every meal. I'm just used to a meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I volunteered and that was a fun experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was not cured completely so I went to the ER a couple months later in Vermont.

* Safety:

It was really safe.

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

I loved the program.

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)

I spent a lot of money out of pocket.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Skip breakfast or some meals

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

We always spoke Japanese.

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? 2 years
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? Only speak the language and tell people about your pledge.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • people
  • teachers (from my American school)
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • wifi
  • housing
  • teachers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the wifi didn't work.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Development of Economics

Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Japanese
Comments: It wasn't that challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.