Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 06/23/2018 to 08/19/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Kyoto Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of professional and educational knowledge while abroad. It was very worthwhile because I feel very prepared on the next steps I have to take in my educational path.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My internship was filled with rigor and challenged me every single day.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administrators in Japan were always available, friendly, and eager to help if I ever had a problem.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were decently close to my workplace, and it was very clean.

* Food:

There was food provided at my dorm, and it was delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I explored Kyoto on my own on the weekends, and I even talked to several locals who told me the best places to eat and adventure!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Personally, I did not have any experiences with the health care, but I was prepared on what to do if I did have any problems. TEAN prepares their students for any emergencies and I always had contact with staff in case I had any problems.

* Safety:

My city was so safe and I felt so secure in the neighborhood I was in!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

TEAN was such an amazing program that helped me with everything I needed. I am a very independent person, (or at least I thought so) but there were many times even I needed TEAN's help. They were always there for me and always on time with everything. Even though it was TEAN's first time sending a student to Kyoto, everything went smoothly and perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better team of people to help me during my three months in Japan!

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)

It was very easy to live on a student's budget because of the meals that were provided at my dorm.

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

The program encouraged us to go out and explore and use the language. They also encouraged us to take language classes if we chose to do so. It was out of my comfort zone, but I am extremely glad I ended up doing it.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Self-learned
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? Talk to locals and study on your own!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Preparedness
  • On time
  • Cultural Events
* What could be improved?
  • None
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew of my commute before my trip so that I could have better prepared for my transportation costs!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!