This summer, I’m thinking of studying abroad in either Kyoto for the program Kyoto Consortium of Japanese Studies (KCJS) or Hakodate with Hokkaido International Foundation (HIF). I have heard a lot of great things about HIF, but I am concerned about the intense workload (I will have graduated from university and will need to start my full-time job immediately after the program), the lack of connection to a Japanese university, and the remoteness of the city. With KCJS, I’m concerned by the lack of community-related activities (that are directly provided by the program) barring interaction with university students, no guaranteed homestay (but homestay and dorms are definitely possible), and the heat, but as someone who has never been to Japan before, I feel like being around the most “Japan-like” areas in honshuu with all of the historical sites nearby would be a great experience.
My main goal is to experience Japan, have a lot of fun, and give myself a good foundation to continue learning Japanese into the advanced level.
Could anyone who has studied abroad in these areas/these programs in the summer weigh in? I would really appreciate it, thank you!
by crazyconfusion10