Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Irreplaceable experience Past Review

By (Japanese Language and Literature., Western Washington University) - abroad from 03/19/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Nagoya University of Foreign Studies: Nagoya - Japanese Language and Japanese Studies Program / JLJSP Direct Enrollment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained and learned more than I can express in this little box. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm so glad I took it. More than worthwhile. I learned a lot about Japanese and Japan, and about myself.

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.

At NUFS, students are able to take both language and culture classes. The language classes are wonderful and you learn so much, but in my opinion, the culture classes were a bit lacking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in International House, the dorm right by the school. You don't have to pay utilities, you get air conditioning, and the dorm is kept clean and safe. It's a great place to live.

* Food:

Food is very expensive in Japan but like anywhere else, there's a grocery store and lots of restaurants so it's impossible to go hungry. Naturally, it's also possible to get cheaper food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Free health clinic just down the street! Hospital was expensive to visit, though. A friend had to pay $65 to get a burn on her arm looked at and bandaged there.

* Safety:

No incidents while I was here.

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

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)

Food is expensive in Japan. But it's possible to live on the stipend NUFS provides its foreign students.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60-70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy things when they're on sale, try not to indulge too much, just be careful and smart about your budget.

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

All of the Japanese language courses at NUFS are taught in Japanese. And they are specific and effectively taught.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? 302
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? Use what you're learning in conversations outside of class.

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

  • 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?
  • The language classes
  • The teachers
  • The stipend
* What could be improved?
  • The culture classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was pretty well-informed on what to expect, but it would have been good to know how expensive transportation is in Japan!

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!