Past Review

By (Architecture., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for

University of the Ryukyus: Okinawa - Student Exchange Program or Japanese Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved Japanese culture, music, dramas all before coming to Japan, but by coming I was able to learn more about everyday life, the people, all while greatly improving my Japanese skills. I definitely hope to minor in Japanese while studying at Manoa, however after coming here I would like to double major in both my current major and Japanese. This was a great program, and i hope everyone studying Japanese will have the chance to study abroad in Japan, hopefully in Okinawa!

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.

Although i applied into the URSEP course, after undergoing a Japanese skill level test at Ryudai, I was placed in a class with other STRP students. At first it was difficult, being that everything was taught in Japanese, Japanese terms that I didn't understand were then explained to me again in Japanese, but even with how difficult it was at the beginning, it was well worth it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The University of the Ryukyus and the University of Hawaii at Manoa are sister university's, so they know a lot about echother's programs, campus', etc...

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the International Dorms, where most of the international students live. It's very close to campus and has air-conditioning, great for the harsh, humid summers of Okinawa.

* Food:

I love Japanese as well as Okinawan food, so for me this was great. The cafeteria here has much better food than Manoa's cafeteria and is much cheaper. >_<

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By having friends with a car i was able to travel all over Okinawa. Even without a car the bus system can take you about anywhere, although it is VERY expensive. A lot of people walk. But anyway, my cultural experience involved going to many festivals around Okinawa.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There is a health center on campus and the university run hospital is right out of the south gate of the campus. When I got hit by car during my stay in Okinawa, yeah it was a little unexpected, the hospital was well staffed and had many excellent doctors. Oh and they have you get healthcare right when you arrive in Okinawa so that was also nice.

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone who wants to become fluent in Japanese, or a Japanese major must apply for the STRP course without a doubt. Even if you are just coming to study in Japan because you love Japanese culture i would still suggest the STRP program. the URSEP program is a LOT more relaxed course. And if maybe by the second semester you want to take a Ryudai course, you basically can't, if you do you may only get half of the credits, and you can only take one, very upsetting.