Explore Tokyo and Yokohama Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/27/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

Temple University International Programs: Tokyo - Temple University Japan Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like I grew as a person and broadened my horizons.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You can either live entirely sheltered from the Japanese culture, or you can emerge yourself. It just depends how much you put yourself out there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Japan has low-cost healthcare for everyone.

* Safety:

Out of all the participants, the only time anyone was ever in danger or had something stolen was when they lost their wallet, and even then only her cash was taken.

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)

1

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $200 to $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself, don't eat out all the time.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced 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? make Japanese friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 food
  • The friendly people
  • I learned a lot
* What could be improved?
  • The size/ facilities of the school
  • Communication with the students prior to the trip
  • orientation was really confusing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I brought more bar deodorant, Japan has none. Also, I wish I could go back in time and teach myself about the subway system.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.