Local language was: Different than language of instruction.

Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my knowledge

How much did you improve your English?
My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your local language?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases

Personal comments:
As the language of instruction was English, I didn't encounter any problems at all. However, most Japanes only speak basic English. This while I visited the city, I sometimes had to ask for directions twice before I could find my way. Yet, Japanese are very friendly to foreigners, so with a bit of patience, I could find my way easily. What is interesting about Japanese people is that sometimes, they approach you and discuss for you for then minutes. Then, all of a sudden, they leave. A friend once explained to me that this is how they practice their English.

Local language was: Different than language of instruction.

Was learning Japanese a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my knowledge

How much did you improve your Japanese?
My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)

How much did you improve your local language?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases

Personal comments:
japanese language is long and difficult to learn, yet really interesting. I had studied it in France before going to japan but it was still difficult to speak and efficiently communicate. I learnt more by studying and living in japan than during 3 years in France ! It the end of the stay I was able to well understand and to express myself, and I could even make jokes ! I am glad I went to Japan.

Local language was: Different than language of instruction.

Was learning English a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my knowledge

How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your local language?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

Personal comments:
The main reason of my interest to go to Japan was the language. I studied before japanese in an especial school also in Japan before starting university. English language was very important for me as well since it is the universal language. I was able to improve both languages during the year i lived in Tokyo and I think it turned into a very powerful tool for my future professional life.

Local language was: Different than language of instruction.

Was learning English a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my knowledge

How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your local language?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

Personal comments:
Everyone spoke english, but I had the opportunity to learn and practice Japanese

Local language was: Different than language of instruction.

Was learning German a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my German

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my knowledge

How much did you improve your German?
My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your local language?
My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

Personal comments:
I never had any problems