Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Asia Institute is Awesome! Past Review

By (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/03/2018 to 03/10/2018 with

University of Pittsburgh: Global Research Practicum in Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Japanese culture that you wouldn't necessarily pick up in a book. You can read about how clean and utilitarian it is, but it's so much more striking to experience it. This was a worthwhile trip, particularly for my first trip to Asia. Japan is so Western in a lot of ways, but still so unique in how business is done

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, I learned so much about Japan and the culture both in the business setting and in the public as a whole! While it was an intense week, I learned a lot and am glad I had this opportunity

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Asia Institute Staff were incredible! They took care of all our needs and then some. They led a group of 30+ people around Tokyo and made it look easy. They were friendly, professional, and a great resource to have on the trip. Even when students would ask about cultural things or where to get a good local meal, the staff had all the answers and was able to help guide everyone the entire trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were very nice and comfortable. It felt like they were far from some of the company visits, which meant more transit time. However, particularly in Tokyo the location right across the street from Shinagawa Station meant that it was easy to get around the city and to various shopping and sightseeing locations.

* Food:

The provided food was great! It was a mix of local cuisine while being accessible to all students on the trip. We had one student who could not eat shellfish, and they made sure to take care of him at every stop along the way.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like we were somewhat disconnected, but that I attribute to the size of the group. Overall, I did feel I got a full look into the culture of Japan and had some insight into it. It helped that the Asia Institute Staff was able to provide background and answer questions about nearly every aspect of the culture to some extent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Japan just felt safe overall. In Tokyo, you could go out on the streets at night and it never really felt like you were in danger.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Cultural Visits
  • Food
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Free Time
  • Company Visits
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to use chopsticks as well as I do now. I completely bombed the first night in Tokyo. Beyond that, I wish I had time before the trip to learn more of the culture and language. There are things I've been reading about now that I picked up on in Japan but I never knew about beforehand

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!