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Japan

Dates

May 18 – June 17, 2025

Cost

$5,195 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Intermediate Japanese, Japanese Culture, Art, Architecture, Gender Studies, 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 images of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In addition to regular classes, students will attend ancient accessory making workshops, tea ceremony, and visit educational institutions and historical sites.

 

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 None, except JAPN 210 requires 12 credit hours of college-level Japanese or the equivalent at time of departure.

Accommodations: Hotels, 2 per room

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 12, 2025 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. Makoto Nakamura

A course designed 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.

JAPN 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.

ART 491 / ARC 401 Topics: Yokai as Art and Entertainment

Dr. Miyuki Akai Cook

Yokai refers to legendary ghosts, monsters, and spirits from Japanese folklore. Yokai have been a part of Japanese mythology for centuries, and their stories are often passed down through generations. Yokai was used to describe supernatural events in ancient times when science did not exist. Today Yokai have a significant presence in numerous forms of entertainment especially anime in Japan.

ART 494 / ARC 401 Topics: Japanese Architecture

Dr. Miyuki Akai Cook

You have seen replicas of Asian architecture, such as those found in Chinese restaurants or pagodas in amusement parks. But do they actually look like those? The students will learn the distinctive architectural styles, construction techniques, functions, and cultural influences of Japan by visiting authentic sites such as temples and castles but not limited to traditional sites.

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

Gifu City

Located in the center of Japan, Gifu City is surrounded by pristine nature, with the clear Nagara River flowing through the city center and the lush green Mt. Kinka towering in the distance, It is also known as a city of history and traditions, such as 1,300-year-old Ukai (Cormorant fishing) and Gifu Castle, one of Japan’s designated national historic sites.  

Nagoya Castle

Built in 1615 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle is famous for its grand castle tower boasting the largest total floor area in history, and the gorgeous Honmaru Palace. In addition, it functioned as a fortress with an ironclad defense and was the first castle to be designated as a national treasure. Even after the original castle was lost, and destroyed by fire in the war, it has been designated as a special national historic site and an example of one…

Nagoya City

Located in the middle of Japan and one of the three largest cities in Japan, Nagoya is easily accessible with its substantial public transportation network. From historical tourist attractions to popular commercial facilities and original cuisine, there are plenty of things to see in Nagoya.

What's Included

Program Cost: $5,195 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Japan

Accommodations

2 Meals per Day

Groups Excursions & Transport

IC Train Card

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. $400-$750 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), 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: $1,900 – $2,000

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 round trip 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

May 18 – June 17, 2025

Cost

$5,195 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Intermediate Japanese, Japanese Culture, Art, Architecture, Gender Studies, 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 images of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In addition to regular classes, students will attend ancient accessory making workshops, tea ceremony, and visit educational institutions and historical sites.

 

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 None, except JAPN 210 requires 12 credit hours of college-level Japanese or the equivalent at time of departure.

Accommodations: Hotels, 2 per room

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 12, 2025 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. Makoto Nakamura

A course designed 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.

JAPN 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.

ART 491 / ARC 401 Topics: Yokai as Art and Entertainment

Dr. Miyuki Akai Cook

Yokai refers to legendary ghosts, monsters, and spirits from Japanese folklore. Yokai have been a part of Japanese mythology for centuries, and their stories are often passed down through generations. Yokai was used to describe supernatural events in ancient times when science did not exist. Today Yokai have a significant presence in numerous forms of entertainment especially anime in Japan.

ART 494 / ARC 401 Topics: Japanese Architecture

Dr. Miyuki Akai Cook

You have seen replicas of Asian architecture, such as those found in Chinese restaurants or pagodas in amusement parks. But do they actually look like those? The students will learn the distinctive architectural styles, construction techniques, functions, and cultural influences of Japan by visiting authentic sites such as temples and castles but not limited to traditional sites.

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

Gifu City

Located in the center of Japan, Gifu City is surrounded by pristine nature, with the clear Nagara River flowing through the city center and the lush green Mt. Kinka towering in the distance, It is also known as a city of history and traditions, such as 1,300-year-old Ukai (Cormorant fishing) and Gifu Castle, one of Japan’s designated national historic sites.  

Nagoya Castle

Built in 1615 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle is famous for its grand castle tower boasting the largest total floor area in history, and the gorgeous Honmaru Palace. In addition, it functioned as a fortress with an ironclad defense and was the first castle to be designated as a national treasure. Even after the original castle was lost, and destroyed by fire in the war, it has been designated as a special national historic site and an example of one…

Nagoya City

Located in the middle of Japan and one of the three largest cities in Japan, Nagoya is easily accessible with its substantial public transportation network. From historical tourist attractions to popular commercial facilities and original cuisine, there are plenty of things to see in Nagoya.

What's Included

Program Cost: $5,195 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Japan

Accommodations

2 Meals per Day

Groups Excursions & Transport

IC Train Card

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. $400-$750 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), 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: $1,900 – $2,000

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 round trip 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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