Out of my comfort zone, but worth every minute August 31, 2023

By (Japanese Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 03/15/2023 to 06/24/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I mostly learned how to be flexible and adapt to new situations, a super important skill that I will likely use the rest of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

Out of all of the programs in Japan, I think Middlebury’s program best prepared us for living in Japan. The faculty came with us to fill out residence forms, helped us pay bills, and gave us lots of advice on how to live in the area.

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)

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

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Dorm life
  • Language practice
  • Program funded trips
* What could be improved?
  • Course rigor (a bit too difficult)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that most of my courses would be limited to Middlebury faculty and other spring students. In my group, there were only four students, and the majority of our activities were just with these other three people.

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!