Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Am Amazing Opportunity Past Review

By (Japanese Studies, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 05/20/2020 with

University of Illinois: Illinois Year-in-Japan Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Since it was my first time getting to leave the country there were a lot of things that I was nervous about but I can safely say that going to Japan for a year to study was worth every moment. Kobe University was amazing school and I met many excellent teachers and lifelong friends who I still talk to even upon returning. Kobe is a great city to explore and it is located next to many other large cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Himeji meaning you will never get bored of exploring. There is also a lot of delicious food to find and Japan has many options but their choice of fish and deserts is quite expansive. Even having eaten there everyday I never got tired of what I ate and I look forward to trying more when I return. Having been there for a year i have no hesitations saying if i ever had the chance to return I'd be happy to do so!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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? 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? 202 Japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Food
  • Kobe
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • A little more direction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you wanted to learn Japanese as fast as possible this is an excellent way.

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!