Japan
Dates
June 3 – July 3, 2023
Subjects
Intermediate Japanese, Art & Printmaking, Japanese Culture, Asian Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 1: 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.
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
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, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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, 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
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.
Student Voices
“It’s like getting a crash course in thousands of years of history, while also getting up close and personal with culture and language. Anyone with a desire for learning can’t go wrong choosing the KIIS Japan program.”
– Nick, Japan
“Savor the moments abroad while they last because before you know it, it will be gone. Studying abroad is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to see and do things that you’ll never be able to do at home. Cherish the friendships that you make, and be as friendly and outgoing as possible to both leave a good impression and make the most of your experience. If you don’t try to make the most of the journey, why go in the first place? ”
– David, Japan
“I am in love with this city and so blessed to call it home for a month.”
– Sunny, Japan
“The best part about KIIS is the friendships I’ve made. I’ve met very wonderful people and I’m happy we share such an amazing bond!”
– Marissa, Japan
“My time in Japan was unforgettable and life-changing. From the friendship that was created with my host family to the rich culture and firsthand language experience, my time in the KIIS program will have a lasting, positive impact on all of my future endeavors.”
– Holly, Japan
“Traveling to Japan was my first time out of the U.S. and it was one of the most exciting and memorable trips I’ll ever take. I made friends and memories for a lifetime.”
– Garrett, Japan
“I wanted to go to Japan because ever since middle school I was fascinated with their culture and country. I really loved Asian history as well as their anime culture.”
-Abby, Japan
“KIIS Japan was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much. The friendships I made on my trip are lasting ones, not just with the other members but also with the host families and people we met along the way. I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have loved to go on more of these study abroad programs!”
– Laura, Japan
In Japan, Kentucky is perhaps most associated with its fast-food avatar, KFC. Ever since 1974,…
Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated with Japanese culture; all my…
Brandon Mitchell, an aspiring composer studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the…
This past Monday, my fellow KIIS members and I took the train to Nara to…
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
June 3 – July 3, 2023
Subjects
Intermediate Japanese, Art & Printmaking, Japanese Culture, Asian Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 1: 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.
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
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, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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, 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
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.
Student Voices
“It’s like getting a crash course in thousands of years of history, while also getting up close and personal with culture and language. Anyone with a desire for learning can’t go wrong choosing the KIIS Japan program.”
– Nick, Japan
“Savor the moments abroad while they last because before you know it, it will be gone. Studying abroad is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to see and do things that you’ll never be able to do at home. Cherish the friendships that you make, and be as friendly and outgoing as possible to both leave a good impression and make the most of your experience. If you don’t try to make the most of the journey, why go in the first place? ”
– David, Japan
“I am in love with this city and so blessed to call it home for a month.”
– Sunny, Japan
“The best part about KIIS is the friendships I’ve made. I’ve met very wonderful people and I’m happy we share such an amazing bond!”
– Marissa, Japan
“My time in Japan was unforgettable and life-changing. From the friendship that was created with my host family to the rich culture and firsthand language experience, my time in the KIIS program will have a lasting, positive impact on all of my future endeavors.”
– Holly, Japan
“Traveling to Japan was my first time out of the U.S. and it was one of the most exciting and memorable trips I’ll ever take. I made friends and memories for a lifetime.”
– Garrett, Japan
“I wanted to go to Japan because ever since middle school I was fascinated with their culture and country. I really loved Asian history as well as their anime culture.”
-Abby, Japan
“KIIS Japan was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much. The friendships I made on my trip are lasting ones, not just with the other members but also with the host families and people we met along the way. I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have loved to go on more of these study abroad programs!”
– Laura, Japan
In Japan, Kentucky is perhaps most associated with its fast-food avatar, KFC. Ever since 1974,…
Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated with Japanese culture; all my…
Brandon Mitchell, an aspiring composer studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the…
This past Monday, my fellow KIIS members and I took the train to Nara to…
Take Your Education Further
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