Shinshu: Leaving Yourself to Find Yourself Past Review
By Samuel B (International Business., Shinshu University) for
Shinshu University: Matsumoto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was the best choice I have made in life. My awareness of other culture's customs, beliefs, and traditions has greatly increased from the time I spent abroad, and I know that it has really affected who I am and what I want to do in life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The intensive language program at Shinshu University is very well organized, the staff and professors are all very well prepared, and the immersion method of learning the Japanese language I believe benefited me more than a larger, more internationalized school. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The International Center as Shinshu University, and especially Professor Tomonori Sato, were very dedicated to helping the program run smoothly, help new students to adjust to life in Japan, and educate the student body about the Japanese language and customs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a apartment building with both international students, Japanese families, and Japanese students. |
| * Food: |
The schools cafeteria offered great food at a reasonable price that was both healthy and varied. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I took more out of this study abroad experience that I did with any other thing I have done in my life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Student health issues were very well addressed with both hospital procedures and insurance coverage. The crime rate in Japan is very low and I at no time felt threatened or afraid for my safety or that of my friends. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language ability increased from not knowing how to book a hotel, to being able to freely travel, build relationships with international friends and Japanese nationals, communicate in my relationship with my girlfriend (in Japanese), and conduct business matters such as paying bills. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think that students with an open-mind and a willingness to learn about not only about Japanese culture, but those of the other international students cultures as well will benefit the most. If you go there thinking that the program is going to be a breeze, and that it will be just a year long vacation, I advise you to not even step on the plane. Going to Japan, I thought I was going to learn Japanese, a new culture, and about the history and traditions of Japan...That was all very true and I did learn all of these things, but what I learned most was about myself and what I want to do in life. At Shinshu University I met my beautiful girlfriend, and her and I are still happily dating 5,000 miles apart (she lives in South Korea) continuing to learn more about each other, and each others cultures. Our common language is Japanese. For students wanting to get an authentic exchange experience, I highly recommend this program. You will learn more in the 11 months you spend there, then you will at most likely any other point in your life. Don't be afraid to make friends with other international students, they will help you in feeling at home, help with your language skills, and make you remember your time abroad. I don't like to be blunt, but to the ex-patriot minded people seeking to escape the woes and worries of life here..tough luck! You are and never will be Japanese, so don't try to make yourself out to be. There are ups and downs to every country; racism, sexism, and social problems plague Japanese society as well. It isn't an anime dream world or a land filled with samurai and martial arts schools. To those seeking to truly experience another way of life, another culture, and find out who you are, I recommend applying to study at Shinshu University. Matsumoto is a beautiful city with beautiful people. |
