Study Abroad

 

Study Abroad Home

Program History

Information

Costa Rica

Florence

London

South Africa

Spain

Australia

 


Japan

Fall Quarter 2012
September 25 - December 4

15 college credits

Applications are now being accepted!!
 

Japan Flag

 



While in Japan, the group will be hosted by the Jikei College in the Nishi-Kasai district of Tokyo, a college focused on Communication Arts and Creative Design.  The Jikei College is very popular worldwide and has a large international population.

Nishi-Kasai boasts several parks, an aquarium and a large ferris wheel. In addition, it is only two stations away from the Disneyland theme park. Nishi-Kasai is a very attractive area due to its proximity to both the city center and relaxed natural environment.


Japan offers a rich environment of arts, culture and history where centuries-old traditions exist in contrast with ultra-modern life-styles.  Experience Sumo wrestling, Kabuki Theater, ancient castles and temples dating back to the days of the Samurai warriors. How about some trendy Tokyo street fashions (wild and crazy) in the Harajuku district, the latest in high technology, electronics and gadgetry, anime, and a city that never sleeps.  Tokyo has many faces and each neighborhood is unique and has its own distinct character. From the elegant Ginza shopping district, historical Asakusa, to the trend-setting Harajuku and Shinjuku wards, the fascination is endless.

 

An experienced Community College faculty member will lead the group and teach the curriculum along with local faculty members.  Local program managers will serve as hosts and advisors and will arrange for Japanese students to serve as language partners.  These students will assist with language, customs and cultural adjustments.  It is a great opportunity to practice their English, so everybody wins!

Program Sponsors:

  • Green River Community College, Auburn, WA

  • Selected Washington State Community Colleges

  • The Jikei College - Nishi-Kasai

Academic Program:
This is a study program. Students must carry a 15-credit load and are expected to fully participate in all class activities. Courses may vary from year to year as may the faculty member leading the course instruction.  The courses offered are specially chosen to give participants interesting, valuable and relevant instruction that exposes students to the cultural, history, fauna and geological differences that are unique to Japan.

Course Descriptions:

Humanities: Japanese Language and Culture
5 credits - Japanese Faculty
This course offers students an introduction to Japanese society and culture by examining its history, people and traditions.  Students will engage in critical discussions about the differences between American and Japanese cultures.  This course aims to facilitate orientation to Japan and will provide students with essential conversational Japanese language skills needed to communicate in basic daily life.

Art: Introduction to Art
5 credits - Gary Oliveira

This course will provide students with an introduction to the basic elements and principles of art and the media with which artists create.  The course will concentrate on the history and aesthetics of Japanese art.  It will address major works of paintings, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, prints, manga, anime and other selected crafts.  This course will survey the main art forms from the early stages to modern times in theoretical, historical, philosophical, cultural, political and other social contexts.  Students will study important developments in theme and subject matter, engage in an incono-graphical and stylistic analysis and acquire good knowledge of the major trends in Japanese art.  the overall objective of the course is to deepen the knowledge of a different culture through the arts.

Art: Beginning Digital Photography
5 credits - Gary Oliveira
This course will provide students with an introduction to the aesthetic and technical theories and techniques of digital photography.  While photographing in Japan students will learn about camera and lens operation, memory cards, file formats, white balance, composition, lighting, creativity, image editing software and output options.  Our subject matter will include Japanese nature and landscapes, urban and rural environments, historical places, the people and culture of Japan and each student's personal interests.  A portfolio of photographs representing the student's Japanese experience is the final objective.

Faculty:
Gary Oliveira received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Dayton and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art.  He has published and exhibited his work nationally.  Publications include The Sun, Culturefront, The Green Mountains Review, Public Culture, and the Seattle Times.  His work has been shown at the Blue Sky Gallery, The Society for Contemporary Photography, The Visual Studies Workshop, The Bellevue Art Museum and museums and galleries throughout the Northwest.  He has taught Photography and Art for Green River Community College since 1992 and taught in the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Japan Study Abroad Programs.

A local Japanese faculty member from the Jikei College will teach the Japanese Language and Culture class.  The class will be taught in English.

Accommodations and Meals: 
While at the Jikei College, students will be accommodated in hotel rooms at the Toyoko Inn near the college.  These are small Japanese-style lodgings with twin beds, private bathroom, small refrigerator, kettle, a study desk, television and free Wi-Fi.  Hotel features include a coin-operated washing machine and free use of a microwave.  Students will share a room with one other student in the group.  Students will be provided with a daily Japanese breakfast at the hotel. The program cost includes a $300 meal allowance.  Near the college are many small restaurants in which to eat, and it's easy to find more food options, including grocery stores and familiar chains, such as Pizza Hut, KFC, and Starbucks.

Transportation:
Program costs include airfare and transfers from/to Narita airport.  Japan has one of the most efficient and impressive mass transportation systems in the world.  High speed bullet and local trains connect to subways and buses to provide speedy and convenient access to all major points of interest.

Cultural Activities and Excursions:
The program includes cultural activities and several organized field trips which may include:

  • Meiji Shinto Shrine/Harajuku/Shinjuku

  • Hakone

  • Mount Takao

  • Rappongi/Mori Art Museum/Akihabara

  • Ebisu/Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography

  • Ueno/Tokyo National Museum/Asakusa, Senso Ji Temple

  • Kamakura

  • School Festivals and Sporting Festivals

Additional Optional Activities:   Other field trips are optional and may require an additional fee. 

There will also be plenty of opportunity to do your own exploring using convenient public transport or tour specialists.  Additional optional activities may include Mount Fuji, Tokyo Disneyland, Hot Springs, Public Hot Bath, Theater Performance, Nissan Factory Tour and Martial Arts Introduction.

Application Requirements:
 Students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible to apply. Transcripts are required. Minimum age is 18 (17 with permission).

 

Program Fee: $5,860
plus $135 airport taxes


Included:

  • Round trip group airfare on program dates from Seattle/Tokyo/Seattle

  • Group transfers to/from Narita airport

  • Student housing accommodations while at Kanagawa Institute of Technology

  • $300 Food allowance

  • Some cultural activities and excursions

  • Pre-departure and arrival orientations

  • Student basic medical insurance

Not Included:

  • College tuition and books

  • Passport and visa fees

  • Local transportation

  • Meals not previously specified

  • Curriculum activities admissions

  • Personal and entertainment expenses

  • Independent travel and expenses

  • US and Japanese airport fees and taxes ($135)

  • Anything not specified as included in the program

*This program announcement and the information presented here may be subject to change. Please refer to the Study Abroad Program Brochure for current information.

To request more information and application, see Information.

 

Last updated on: 04/25/2012
Copyright© 2009 Green River Community College. All rights reserved.
Page Footer Contact