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Anyone go on an international exchange?

DesolateDesolate
edited February 2011 in General
I'm currently planning on applying to do an international exchange to either Japan or Norway for the Spring 2012 term, so I've been looking more into it lately. I really like the prospect of going somewhere with a culture that's completely different from my own. I'm very much leaning towards Japan, as I find Japanese culture incredibly fascinating and I'd love to be able to travel around Japan and take part in various festivals that occur there. I'd also be getting credits, so can't complain about that either.

Have any of you done an exchange before? Where did you go, what was it like, and was it worth the money?

Comments

  • Ether
    Don't count Norway out. Having met quite a few Norwegians here, all of them were really awesome people. Most speak pretty good English too.
  • DesolateDesolate
    Yeah, I'm definitely not counting it out. I dunno, I'm just incredibly interested in Japanese culture, so I think it would be an unforgettable experience to go there. Still making up my mind though.
  • mochi
    I have not got on any exchange yet, but I got accepted and will be going in the fall. 

    I interviewed about 15 returnees and wrote an article about that. From what I found, exchange experience can be the most amazing thing in university, that is why I applied for it. 
  • mochi
    Desolate, you are a bus student right?? 

    You can ask me if you have further questions. I knew tons of buddies who have been gone on exchange. 
  • DesolateDesolate
    Yes I am a Business student. I'm still planning on doing an exchange for Spring 2012 to Japan. I'm just not sure if learning the language will be super easy for me, so dunno if it's a good choice. Though I'm incredibly in love with Japanese culture and have always dreamed of staying there for an extended period of time, and the school I'm planning to attend offers all Business classes and most culture classes in English. I'm thinking about taking some classes before I go though, maybe through like a Japanese language school. Most of my friends have said that JAPN 100 is way too hard at SFU.

    If I think of any questions I'll direct them your way :) Thanks!
  • mochi
    I think going to Japan is cool. My friend is doing it. JAPN 100 is not that hard, as far as I know. Instead, lots of ppl said they love the course, because the instructor will take you to Japanese restaurant or show you something really Japanese. 

    I recommend studying as much japanese as you can. It will enrich your experience in Japan. 
  • DesolateDesolate
    Has your friend has previous experience with Japanese? I think people that are fluent in more than one language will probably do better. I'm only fluent in English and know some French and Spanish. xD

    I dunno, I really am thinking about taking it, but I don't want it to be a source of hate for me that just makes me absolutely miserable the entire time because I'm so overwhelmed. At the same time, I don't want to show up with no knowledge of Japanese and get completely swamped by the university's intensive Japanese language program that is mandatory for exchange students.

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