I need to learn more Japanese. Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 08/01/2015 with

J. F. Oberlin University: Tokyo - Reconnaissance Japan Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That I don't know enough Japanese to survive,

Review Photos

Obirin University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Obirin University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Obirin University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Obirin University: Tokyo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes instructíons were not clear, when the informatíon was important.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed really far from my university.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

For people who didn't know Jaoanese, figuring out when and how to pay the first payment of national insurance was difficult, and some people even did not know.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Because I live with a host family, meals are provided for me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Maybe invest in getting kitchen supplies to cook at home.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Fourth semester japanese
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? Learn as much as you can before coming.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Friends
  • Host Family
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Informatíon
  • Orientation (Upon arrival)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Japanese manners.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'