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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.
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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.
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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
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Selected Washington State Community Colleges
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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:
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Meiji Shinto Shrine/Harajuku/Shinjuku
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Hakone
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Mount Takao
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Rappongi/Mori Art Museum/Akihabara
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Ebisu/Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of
Photography
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Ueno/Tokyo National Museum/Asakusa,
Senso Ji Temple
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Kamakura
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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:
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Round trip group airfare on program dates from
Seattle/Tokyo/Seattle
-
Group
transfers to/from Narita airport
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Student housing accommodations while at
Kanagawa Institute of Technology
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$300 Food allowance
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Some cultural activities and excursions
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Pre-departure and arrival
orientations
-
Student basic medical insurance
Not
Included:
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College tuition and books
-
Passport
and visa fees
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Local transportation
-
Meals
not previously specified
-
Curriculum
activities admissions
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Personal
and entertainment expenses
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Independent
travel and expenses
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US
and Japanese airport fees and taxes ($135)
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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.
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