UGA Exchange - Kyushu University : Reviews (Fukuoka)
The following program review responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Program Evaluation
Academic Year 2015 Participant
The orientation materials was an accurate depiction of the Kyushu University Program. Everything that was listed in the documents was available for our exchange experience. For example: study trips, conversation partners, advance Japanese classes.
Brian Alexander Mann,
Academic Year 2016 Participant
Once arriving to Japan, regardless of international insurance, everyone had to sign up for national healthcare. The cost is usually around $15-20 a month, and healthcare will pay for 70% of any medical bill. I found the status of healthcare in Japan adequate for most needs, but there are far fewer amenities than in America.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
The JTW team is incredibly helpful when you need any help getting doctors appointments. We had several students fall ill or become injured and it was very easy to see a doctor. All students are signed up for the National Health Service, which pays for 70% of all doctors fees, meaning that good healthcare is affordable and easy to access.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
The campus was very safe. I never felt like I was in danger at
Brian Alexander Mann,
Academic Year 2016 Participant
Japan is a very safe country, and theft is virtually nonexistant.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
Japan is incredibly safe, and public transit is everywhere. Our program also took many trips throughout the year as a group, and all of them were interesting and fun.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
Many options for interesting classes on cultural studies about Japan. The work load was just right.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
The classes in the program are not particularly difficult, which is a detriment if you are seeking to challenge yourself academically, but a bonus if you are trying to focus more on out-of-class learning, through trips and exploring the area. There is also the option to take courses outside of the program if you are seeking a particular field of study or something more difficult.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
Amazing excursions and opportunities for outside learning experiences. They were not required by the program, but I went to most of them and I believe the further enriched my learning in Japan.
Brian Alexander Mann,
Academic Year 2016 Participant
Absolutely fantastic school trips. They were the best part of Kyushu exchange.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
We took many trips to places around Kyushu, including to Nagasaki, Dazaifu Shrine, and Saga, as well as going on culture trips to see Sumo, Kabuki, and to harvest rice. The trips were always an amazing experience and a good opportunity to explore Japan and get to know the people in your program.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
I lived in dorm 2. The dorm was nice and clean. Ito campus is relatively new, so the dorms were nice.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
The dorm room is a bit small, but it is well built, safe, and a single-room (so no roomie!) You have your own kitchen space and bathroom, with a furnished mini-fridge and sink. The dorm also hosts common rooms, and has weekly coffee hours to get to know other students.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
On the trips, we always ate traditional food, which got a bit boring, but beyond that the food was delicious. While living there, you provide for your own food and getting it is easy. There are convenience stores everywhere where you can pick up bento or onigiri, and the dining halls are cheap and delicious. There are also nearby grocery stores where you can get something to cook for yourself at home.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
In my program we were automatically assigned a Japanese tutor, who helped us with our daily life. We also had the option to have a conversation partner and a host family. Both really great experiences.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
I feel like if you want a fully-immersive program, this may not be the best one for you. You are able to interact with locals, and student tutors are provided to help you make friends, but for the most part you have to seek out interaction if you are looking for it. The classes are in English, so if you want to practice your Japanese, it's better to join a club or try to go to coffee hour regularly.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
AMAZING STAFF. They actually cared about their exchange student's well being. They were also very efficient and responsive.
Brian Alexander Mann,
Academic Year 2016 Participant
Absolutely outstanding staff. Very helpful. Would rate it even higher if I could.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
The JTW staff is amazing. They are incredibly involved and genuinely care about your well-being. Teachers will ask students how they are doing, or even how other students in the program are doing, and if you have any troubles they are always there. They send emails to remind students about any important deadlines or events, and are always ready to help. When I needed to visit the dentist, not only did they help me to set up an appointment, but when I went to the wrong office, they were willing to talk me through getting to the correct place and let the dental staff know that I was running late.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
As mentioned above, the staff is amazing. Always giving 112%
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
It was difficult sometimes, but the program has really changed my life in a positive way. I am so glad that I made the choice to go.
Academic Year 2015 Participant
Actually even better than I expected. In comparison to some of my other friends programs in Japan, I honestly believe mine was the best, and provided the most opportunities.
Brian Alexander Mann,
Academic Year 2016 Participant
If you want to explore the island of Kyushu, this program is for you. With many study trips throughout the year, you will never feel like you're bored, or not fully experiencing Japan. With the JASSO scholarship, you will have plenty of extra spending money to go traveling. I would highly recommend this program for students wanting to get the best bang for their buck, along with high quality Japanese language courses.
Matthew Talbot Eget,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
Studying abroad is an invaluable experience that will challenge your personal growth and development. I can say without a doubt that this was the best decision I have ever made. I inspire any other students looking for self-assessment and improvement to consider studying abroad.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
Definitely take advantage of the experience. Go out, have fun, and try to speak as much Japanese as you can. Your teachers and your new friends are there to help you, and with their help you really can do all of the things you want to do.
Aaron Michael White,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
Make an attempt to go out and do something at least once a week
Academic Year 2019 Participant
Have fun! Take all the opportunities if you can
Academic Year 2015 Participant
It's not the places you go, it's the people you meet.
Brian Alexander Mann,
Academic Year 2016 Participant
The people you meet through study abroad may just become lifelong friends. The connections you make through study abroad open the door for international travel and business.
Matthew Talbot Eget,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
When studying abroad, you have to abandon many of the cultural comforts you have always known- you have to adapt to what you are given. The result is often beautiful.
India Celeste Nelson,
Academic Year 2018 Participant
An amazing program with staff who cares and a multitude of opportunities to learn in- and outside of the classroom.
Academic Year 2019 Participant
"One of the best decision i have made in my life"