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Japan

Dates

June 1 – July 1, 2024

Cost

$5,195 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Intermediate Japanese, Education, Child & Family Studies, Film 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 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 None, except 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 13, 2024 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.

EDU 400-1 Topics: Nature Education & Young Children

Dr. Neil Mecham

Young children’s curiosity and nature’s diversity creates opportunities to for children to learn about a variety of subject as well as develop cooperation, appreciation, sensitivity, creativity and wonder. This course will engage college students in activities to prepare them to assist children as they interact with nature.

EDU 400-2 Topics: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Family

Dr. Neil Mecham

This course focuses on the similarities and differences of family structures, and interactions in different cultures from around the world. The impact of economies, governments, and religions on and the family will be discussed. Kinship systems and patterns of marital residence; differences in childrearing patterns; and variations in gender roles and power distribution will also be explored.

FILM 399 / ARC 401 Topics: Atomic Cinema: Visual Representations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Dr. Raymond DeLuca

This course will examine how movies have portrayed the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from August 1945 up through the present day. We will explore how the event has been aestheticized, discussed, and re-created on screen both in Japanese cinema and in international productions.

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

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: $5,195 + 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: $2,300 – $2,400

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 1 – July 1, 2024

Cost

$5,195 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Intermediate Japanese, Education, Child & Family Studies, Film 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 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 None, except 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 13, 2024 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.

EDU 400-1 Topics: Nature Education & Young Children

Dr. Neil Mecham

Young children’s curiosity and nature’s diversity creates opportunities to for children to learn about a variety of subject as well as develop cooperation, appreciation, sensitivity, creativity and wonder. This course will engage college students in activities to prepare them to assist children as they interact with nature.

EDU 400-2 Topics: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Family

Dr. Neil Mecham

This course focuses on the similarities and differences of family structures, and interactions in different cultures from around the world. The impact of economies, governments, and religions on and the family will be discussed. Kinship systems and patterns of marital residence; differences in childrearing patterns; and variations in gender roles and power distribution will also be explored.

FILM 399 / ARC 401 Topics: Atomic Cinema: Visual Representations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Dr. Raymond DeLuca

This course will examine how movies have portrayed the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from August 1945 up through the present day. We will explore how the event has been aestheticized, discussed, and re-created on screen both in Japanese cinema and in international productions.

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

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: $5,195 + 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: $2,300 – $2,400

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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