Tokyo: Big City, Big Adventure Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My professors did a lot of things to encourage outside exploration of Tokyo, sometimes even volunteering their spare time to guide us there. The system is less fluid sometimes, and I really disliked how many of the exchange students tested lower than their level with the proficiency test. When we tried to request we be placed in the appropriate class they pretty much refused every time. I ended up retaking the equivalent of UT's second year Japanese program.

On-site administration of your program

Lots of support services, but they weren't always willing to give students the right to choose their language program (I feel they stuck too strictly to the results of the proficiency test). Lots of classes to choose from, decent class sizes.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You will need to bring your own linens/towels, but often times there are dishes/glasses/trashbins left by previous tenants. Some people may even get lucky enough to get a rice cooker or a television. It took about 20-35 mins to get to class by train, which is very decent for Tokyo (and better than the 40-60 mins it took for the kids living in Saitama). The neighborhood was very safe and quiet.

The food was delicious and overall more healthy than the average American diet. Enough options even for vegetarians. Even McDonald's is more tasty in Japan. Try their seasonal/limited time meals, they're usually really interesting!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Nothing was arranged by my actual program, but I enjoyed the things I did together with my profs like going to kabuki theater and a trip to an izakaya.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program had English speaking staff in the health services office and a list of English speaking health providers for problems more serious. I didn't need any specific vaccines but I did make sure to get my flu shot before I left.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Students, neighbors, teachers... just about anybody since English is not a national language in Japan. It can be difficult to get even the Japanese students to speak Japanese to you, because they want to practice their English with you.

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• International Students

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• courses offered at Sophia
• my housing arrangements

• proficiency test