Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: With a family

Why? As Japanese people in general are not as easy to approach as for example Mexicans, one gets more insight into Japanese society by living with a typical Japanese family. I have a very close Japanese friend living in Osaka; I met her family during my stay in Japan, and was much more able to appreciate Japanese way of thinking and customs after having spent time with them. Also, while in Japan, it is always very helpful to talk to Japanese students who have studied abroad, for example in Western Europe or the U.S., as they know both forms of societies, and can more easily introduce a foreigner to their country.

Personal comments:
The "Asia Center Tokyo" is a hostel where travellers can stay from one week to three months. It provides the visitor with rooms with bathrooms. There is also a restaurant where one can have breakfast, lunch and dinner. I shared a room for four weeks with a Chinese girl that studies in the U.S. We became very close friends and had many interesting conversations about the People's Republic of China.

Type of housing: second half was an independent apartment

Arranged by: Home university

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? Because I could be totally independent and because there is certain age in live when you must create your own life.

Personal comments:
I think it was a good experience because i got to know more about japanese culture and had the chance to talk to japanese people and therefore improve my japanese skills. Also it was interesting and fun to meet other foreign students that were in my same situation and could learn how to live with other cultures. It also measured my ability of adaptation in other environment.

Type of housing: With a family

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: With a family

Why? Living with a japanese family is very interesting and rewarding. Of course it is challenging because communication is difficult, but we learn a lot about the culture and way of living as we are able to really implicate in the daily life. And of course language skills improve quickly.

Personal comments:
We can choose between living in an independant flat, in a dormitory or with a family. Anyway, it is very expensive. I believe one should choose the family if he wants to learn as more as possible.

Type of housing: Hotel

Arranged by: Home university

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? Immersed in Japanese culture

Personal comments:
Comfortable and convenient

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why?

Personal comments:
none