Study Abroad in Japan Past Review

By (Asian Studies/Civilization., The University of Texas at Austin) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It gave me a chance to experience for the first time Japanese culture. But now only that, I ended up making friends with people from other countries as well which is very interesting and has helped me become more aware of different cultures.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family's house is a 15 minute walk from the train station. From the train station there is a bus (free) to take to the university, and it usually takes about 10 min to get there. I didn't have to buy any sheets or things like that, my host family provided all of those items. My host family treated me as a family member.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

University has a camp for foreign students and Japanese students during the Fall and Spring semesters which are a pretty good way to make new Japanese friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Overall Japan is a very safe country, much safer than America I think. I often walk by myself at night, and I never had any problems. When I thought I needed medical assistance (dentist)I just asked my host university if they could inform me of any English speaking dentists in the area, and the next I got a reply from them with the dentist's number. They even offered to help with making an appointment.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Train fares were rather expensive, and on the first day I met my host family I bought a train pass which took almost all of the cash I had at the time. I had a bit of trouble with withdrawing money for the first few weeks, so it would have been good if I had more money with me at the time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second semester of second year Japanese
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I had to use it everyday with my host family, and various other situations.

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?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students