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Japan

Dates

June 3 – July 3, 2023

Cost

$4,850 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Intermediate Japanese, Art & Printmaking, Japanese Culture, Asian Studies

Deadlines

Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline 

Program Overview

The KIIS Japan program offers students an opportunity to discover the multidimensional image of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Tokyo, Nikko, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. In addition to regular classes, students will attend flower arranging and calligraphy workshops, and visit the educational institutions and historical and cultural sites. Students also will experience an 8-day homestay in Nara. Note: Students should be aware that excursions may be physically strenuous and involve walking several miles at a time.

Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.

Language Requirement JAPN 210 requires 12 credit hours of college-level Japanese or the equivalent at time of departure.

Accommodations: Hotels, 2-4 per room / Homestay, 1-2 per family (portion of program).

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Bowling Green, KY. See Orientation for more information.

Courses

Courses are taught in English except JAPN 210. All courses are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses.

JAPN 210 Intermediate Japanese Conversation Abroad

Prof. Yoko Hatakeyama

To develop the vocabulary and oral communication skills of the student with a background of one year of college Japanese or equivalent. Emphasis will be placed on bringing the student into contact with the Japanese people and various aspects of their culture.

ART 340 Drawing III - Japan

Dr. Michael Litzau

This course will introduce new techniques and processes, no prior art experience is needed.

This drawing course will allow for creative approaches to drawing that build off a personal exploration of materials and imagery. Different visual styles such as observational, abstract, and non-representational will be explored. Students will draw at various locations in Japan such as shrines, tourist attractions, and everyday neighborhoods.

ART 350 Printmaking - Japan

Dr. Michael Litzau

This course will introduce new techniques and processes, no prior art experience is needed.

From the artworks of the 36 Views of Mt. Fuji to train station “eki stamps”, Japan has a long history of printmaking that documents places. In this course, students will learn relief printmaking techniques to create unique images that document important sights and everyday places in Japan.

JPN 115 Introduction to Japanese Culture

Dr. Kendra Sheehan

This course examines aspects of contemporary Japan. Japanese culture will be examined through its respective arts, literature, philosophy, and media to provide an insight into Japan. This course will also help students to see the importance of historical and cultural contexts that formulate a modern country.

ENG 290 / ARC 401 Topics: Women in Japanese Literature

Dr. Kendra Sheehan

This course will survey translated Japanese literature of various genres. Traditional and modern cultural ideas will be analyzed as they relate to the culture and mindset of women in Japan. Texts encourage critical thinking about the role of gender, class, and historical events in the formation of Japan’s distinct culture.

All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

Kyoto Neighborhood Walk

When we visit Kyoto, we will tour the neighborhood. We will mainly go to a huge food market, which is called a kitchen of Kyoto.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, which is also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant white appearance, is both a national treasure and a world heritage site. It has remained intact since it was built 400 years ago. It is considered as the most beautiful castle in Japan.

Hiroshima and Miyajima (UNESCO World Heritage site)

You’ll learn the importance of peace in Hiroshima by visiting the museum and listening to a Hibakusha’s (a victim of the atomic bomb) lecture. Miyajima is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. You’ll see the giant red Torii gate and the shrine floating on the water in high tide.  

Ryoan ji

Ryoan-ji is the most famous Japanese Zen garden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The garden is called a dry garden that consists of white sand and several rocks. You can calmly sit in front of the garden, contemplate, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

Homestay

The homestay is a highlight of the Japan program. You learn Japanese culture and language first hand living with a Japanese family. You’ll do a variety of activities with your host family, and at the end of the homestay you’ll feel that you’ve established the second home in Japan.

Elementary School Visit

You’ll learn about the Japanese educational system through a visit to an elementary school. We interact with children in classroom, eat a school lunch and enjoy recess with them, and experience a school cleaning, which is a part of Japan’s elementary education.

Flower Arranging

You will experience a traditional flower-arranging lesson from members of the Nara Flower Arrangement Association. You will see how cut flowers are given life by an artistic technique.

Todai-ji, Nigatsudo and Kasuga Taisha

Todai-ji, where world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha is housed, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We enjoy a beautiful walking path to Nigatsudo and Kasuga Taisha from Todai-ji, surrounded by the Wakakusa Mountain and a lot of deer.

What's Included

Program Cost: $4,850 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Japan

Accommodations

2 Meals per Day

Groups Excursions & Transport

Japan Rail Pass

Medical Insurance

Security Evacuation Protection

Program Director & Faculty
on-site 24/7

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining passport ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $600-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), luggage delivery fee and locker fee at Himeji Station (approx. $46), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost: $2,650 – $2,750

Note: Japan remained closed to visitors during the pandemic resulting now in a large increase in demand for travel to Japan, and while airlines have begun to open up scheduled flights to Japan, the increase in demand has led to airlines quoting much higher-than-expected group fares to Japan. KIIS will continue efforts to obtain the best available fare for the group flight. The above estimate will be re-adjusted if fares decrease in price.

The Japan program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Japan with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket on your behalf. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville. Visit flights for more information.

If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.

The flight to Japan is overnight arriving the following day. On the return, the flight from Japan to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

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Description

Dates

June 3 – July 3, 2023

Cost

$4,850 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Intermediate Japanese, Art & Printmaking, Japanese Culture, Asian Studies

Deadlines

Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline 

Program Overview

The KIIS Japan program offers students an opportunity to discover the multidimensional image of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Tokyo, Nikko, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. In addition to regular classes, students will attend flower arranging and calligraphy workshops, and visit the educational institutions and historical and cultural sites. Students also will experience an 8-day homestay in Nara. Note: Students should be aware that excursions may be physically strenuous and involve walking several miles at a time.

Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.

Language Requirement JAPN 210 requires 12 credit hours of college-level Japanese or the equivalent at time of departure.

Accommodations: Hotels, 2-4 per room / Homestay, 1-2 per family (portion of program).

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Bowling Green, KY. See Orientation for more information.

Courses

Courses are taught in English except JAPN 210. All courses are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses.

JAPN 210 Intermediate Japanese Conversation Abroad

Prof. Yoko Hatakeyama

To develop the vocabulary and oral communication skills of the student with a background of one year of college Japanese or equivalent. Emphasis will be placed on bringing the student into contact with the Japanese people and various aspects of their culture.

ART 340 Drawing III - Japan

Dr. Michael Litzau

This course will introduce new techniques and processes, no prior art experience is needed.

This drawing course will allow for creative approaches to drawing that build off a personal exploration of materials and imagery. Different visual styles such as observational, abstract, and non-representational will be explored. Students will draw at various locations in Japan such as shrines, tourist attractions, and everyday neighborhoods.

ART 350 Printmaking - Japan

Dr. Michael Litzau

This course will introduce new techniques and processes, no prior art experience is needed.

From the artworks of the 36 Views of Mt. Fuji to train station “eki stamps”, Japan has a long history of printmaking that documents places. In this course, students will learn relief printmaking techniques to create unique images that document important sights and everyday places in Japan.

JPN 115 Introduction to Japanese Culture

Dr. Kendra Sheehan

This course examines aspects of contemporary Japan. Japanese culture will be examined through its respective arts, literature, philosophy, and media to provide an insight into Japan. This course will also help students to see the importance of historical and cultural contexts that formulate a modern country.

ENG 290 / ARC 401 Topics: Women in Japanese Literature

Dr. Kendra Sheehan

This course will survey translated Japanese literature of various genres. Traditional and modern cultural ideas will be analyzed as they relate to the culture and mindset of women in Japan. Texts encourage critical thinking about the role of gender, class, and historical events in the formation of Japan’s distinct culture.

All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

Kyoto Neighborhood Walk

When we visit Kyoto, we will tour the neighborhood. We will mainly go to a huge food market, which is called a kitchen of Kyoto.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, which is also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant white appearance, is both a national treasure and a world heritage site. It has remained intact since it was built 400 years ago. It is considered as the most beautiful castle in Japan.

Hiroshima and Miyajima (UNESCO World Heritage site)

You’ll learn the importance of peace in Hiroshima by visiting the museum and listening to a Hibakusha’s (a victim of the atomic bomb) lecture. Miyajima is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. You’ll see the giant red Torii gate and the shrine floating on the water in high tide.  

Ryoan ji

Ryoan-ji is the most famous Japanese Zen garden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The garden is called a dry garden that consists of white sand and several rocks. You can calmly sit in front of the garden, contemplate, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

Homestay

The homestay is a highlight of the Japan program. You learn Japanese culture and language first hand living with a Japanese family. You’ll do a variety of activities with your host family, and at the end of the homestay you’ll feel that you’ve established the second home in Japan.

Elementary School Visit

You’ll learn about the Japanese educational system through a visit to an elementary school. We interact with children in classroom, eat a school lunch and enjoy recess with them, and experience a school cleaning, which is a part of Japan’s elementary education.

Flower Arranging

You will experience a traditional flower-arranging lesson from members of the Nara Flower Arrangement Association. You will see how cut flowers are given life by an artistic technique.

Todai-ji, Nigatsudo and Kasuga Taisha

Todai-ji, where world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha is housed, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We enjoy a beautiful walking path to Nigatsudo and Kasuga Taisha from Todai-ji, surrounded by the Wakakusa Mountain and a lot of deer.

What's Included

Program Cost: $4,850 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Japan

Accommodations

2 Meals per Day

Groups Excursions & Transport

Japan Rail Pass

Medical Insurance

Security Evacuation Protection

Program Director & Faculty
on-site 24/7

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining passport ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $600-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), luggage delivery fee and locker fee at Himeji Station (approx. $46), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost: $2,650 – $2,750

Note: Japan remained closed to visitors during the pandemic resulting now in a large increase in demand for travel to Japan, and while airlines have begun to open up scheduled flights to Japan, the increase in demand has led to airlines quoting much higher-than-expected group fares to Japan. KIIS will continue efforts to obtain the best available fare for the group flight. The above estimate will be re-adjusted if fares decrease in price.

The Japan program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Japan with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket on your behalf. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville. Visit flights for more information.

If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.

The flight to Japan is overnight arriving the following day. On the return, the flight from Japan to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

Related Posts

Take Your Education Further

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