Biotechnology Study Abroad Programs in Japan

Academics: Some students I know have struggled finding classes taught in English that are transferable to their home university, but I know others who have found classes that apply to their degree path. Sometimes, the "Language of Instruction" part on the Hiroshima University syllabus is a lie. It may say "Japanese/English" for some classes, but there is a chance those classes will be taught entirely in Japanese. Living Situation: The living situation is really you get what you pay for. The dorms are small and old, and you have to share showers or toilets with other students (depending on the type of dorm), but the dorms are extremely cheap. Cleaners come in once a week to clean the dorms. The Japanese are generally very clean, so the dorm living situation is really not too bad once you get used to it. Cultural Immersion: It can be difficult for some students to make close Japanese friends. If you are not Japanese, you are immediately considered an outsider by some Japanese and have to work harder than the average Japanese person to become good friends with them. However, there are international exchange events and clubs that exist with the purpose of bringing Japanese and foreign students together. Program Administration: I personally had no issues with administration before entering Japan and upon arrival. I think USAC and Hiroshima University did an excellent job helping students prepare for study abroad. Health & Safety: Japan is extremely strict with COVID, so you can expect to wear a mask almost everywhere. Japanese take masks and sanitation very seriously, so you can also expect to see hand sanitizing stations everywhere. Crime rates in Japan are also very low, and many people feel safe walking alone in the middle of the night. Community: Hiroshima University is located in Saijo, which is a somewhat rural area in Higashihiroshima in Hiroshima prefecture. Saijo Station is roughly 40 minutes away from Hiroshima Station by train. There is not much to do where the campus is located, but some students take frequent trips to Hiroshima City as that is where the closest city life is. You can also take the bullet train from Hiroshima Station to other big cities in Japan. Overall, studying abroad in Japan was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have made many lifelong friends and improved my Japanese immensely. I would highly recommend anyone who is really interested in improving their Japanese and learning the Japanese way of life to study abroad.

It is a well put together program that prioritizes the teaching of the Japanese language and education. The area around the university is called Saijo, which is a somewhat rural area where it is quiet and a lot of studying can be done. Although the dorms are a little old and dirty, for the price of about sixty five dollars per month, it really wasn't bad. The program site allows easy access to trains and the ability to travel through Japan at one's free will. I went to Miyajima and Matsuyama which are both fairly close and cheap to get to. The staff is always there, ready to help, and will even shoot an occasional text of, "hey how's it going or remember to do this." The classes were so well run that it improved the way I study and the love I have for the Japanese language. The people on campus are incredibly nice and welcoming to foreigners and even will go out of their way to help you in a time of need. Overall, despite the living or the lack of home stay options, this program is still an A+ for me and probably for anyone who values learning the language. Living Situation: It's not the cleanest of living situations but I gave it a B+ because I feel that more time should be spent outside dorms rather than inside. Cultural Immersion: I wish there were more field trips, more home stay opportunities.... I wish you could even do home stay in this program. Health and Safety: The safety in Japan is ridiculous. I never felt sketched out or fearful of things being taken. I actually lost an expensive item and had it returned in a week. That wouldn't happen in the US.