This is for our incoming UNO-Japan students who are seeking advice about studying and traveling in Japan. Our past participants want to make sure our future students have a great time on the program. We hope their advice helps better your study abroad experience with us.
“Do as much as possible.” – 2018 participant
“Get lost. It’s always easy to get back.” – 2013 participant
"Travel quietly and observe your surroundings." - 2024 participant
“Go out, there is always something to see.” – 2010 participant
“Carry a camera at all times.” – 2015 participant
"Don't be afraid to go and try new things! Your trip is only as exciting as you let it be. – 2019 participant
“Never say no to doing something, the month goes by quickly.” – 2010 participant
“Travel outside the program on weekends.” – 2017 participant
“Prepare to walk!” – 2016 participant
“Read up on things to do before getting there so you don’t waste any of your precious time while over there.” – 2014 participant
“Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things. Experience as much as you can and be open to new experiences and challenges. Make the most of your time in Japan and enjoy!” – 2018 participant
"Try to find a new thing to do each day, whether it's finding a random temple, shrine, park, garden, hike, etc. There is so much to do and see." - 2024 participant
“Travel to places by yourself even if you don’t speak any Japanese.” – 2010 participant
“Use your free weekends to go to many places.” – 2015 participant
“Plan to stay longer on your own (after) or arrive early to enjoy school-free time in Japan.” – 2009 participant
“Get outside.” -2011 participant
"Try to pace your spending evenly over the course of the trip." - 2024 participant
"Go on all the field trips, go to the places you don't know about and plan accordingly on how to get there and back. Do research!" – 2019 participant
“Do not be afraid to go out on your own. You will discover so many things, not just about Japan but about yourself as well.” – 2014 participant
“Get out of the dorms and do stuff.” – 2010 participant
“Don’t be afraid of getting lost or scared because everyone starts out that way. That’s all part of the journey.” – 2015 participant
"Don't go out with a big group of your classmates you will be stopping yourself from absorbing the essence of the country that you are in." - 2024 participant
“Explore more of the city and area on your own.” – 2010 participant
"Drink as much water as humanly possible and sleep as much as you can." - 2024 participant
"Take lots of pictures!" – 2019 participant
"Pack light. One bag is enough." - 2010 participant
"Listen when they say pack less." - 2016 participant
"Bring your own pillow (if particular)." - 2012 participant
"Bring more money than you'll need." - 2018 participant
"Save for as much spending money as possible." - 2009 participant
"Bring good walking shoes." - 2013 participant
"Bring more money and less clothes." - 2010 participant
"Don't be picky about food." – 2013 participant
"Don't be afraid to walk." – 2019 participant
"Try to talk to your tomodachi partner often if you can. Some are shy, but they love hearing from you." - 2024 participant
"Be open to doing anything new and adventurous." – 2009 participant
"Don't be afraid of taking risks. Try the food, all of it." – 2013 participant
"Take the opportunity to make connections and immerse yourself in the culture; try not to be just an observer of the culture. Doing this will drastically change your experience while on this program." - 2024 participant
"Be open minded and respectable." – 2012 participant
"Respect the locals." – 2009 participant
"Make local friends." – 2013 participant
"Learn as much Japanese as you can, but if you don't know any Japanese you will be fine since English is all around you." - 2016 participant
"The tomodachi program is very helpful if you are studying Japanese." - 2024 participant
"Learn a little Japanese before you leave." - 2013 participant
"Speak as much Japanese as you can." - 2009 participant
"Try to practice speaking with locals when possible!" - 2024 participant
"You will learn more Japanese once you're in Japan." - 2010 participant
"Read all the material for class before the trip, that way you have more free time in Japan." - 2010 participant
"It is important for students to learn how to manage their classwork while in Japan." - 2017 participant
"Try to hang out with all the tomodachi partners instead of only your own." -2017 participant
"Don't miss class!" - 2018 participant
"Start doing your assignments the day that they are assigned and break the work up over the course of several days." - 2024 participant
"Take the educational side of the program seriously." - 2014 participant
"Do as much course work as possible before going." - 2016 participant
"Go out and have fun, but don't forget that it is school and you need to study. - 2011 participant
"Do your homework but don't stress. The teachers want you to succeed as much as you do." - 2019 participant
"Do all the reading for classes before you come." - 2015 participant
"Keep up with your work." - 2010 participant
