W&J has an exchange relationship with Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU), a comprehensive university in the Kobe-Osaka area of Japan. The research seminar of Professor Joseph DeChicchis at KGU’s School of Policy Studies invites up to four W&J students to visit Japan during January 2012. W&J students will have a chance to explore the Kobe-Osaka area, with interpretive guidance, and they will also have ample free time to visit other areas of Japan and to pursue their own individual research interests.
This opportunity is available to W&J students from any class level who have at least rudimentary Japanese skills (i.e., the equivalent of one semester of Japanese language study).
In order to earn W&J credit for the intersession experience, students will enroll in an independent study course at W&J. To arrange independent study credit, each student will need to identify a W&J professor (based in the US) who will agree to oversee the independent study remotely, while the student pursues independent research at KGU.
The students selected for this opportunity will have the ability to connect with faculty at KGU who can serve as resources for the chosen independent study topic. Research may be undertaken in a variety of subject areas. Please visit the KGU website for more information about KGU and its academic programs.
Students applying for this opportunity should have a fairly high level of independence – while there will be support from KGU, students are expected to make their own arrangements, pursue their own independent research, etc.
DATES:
28 December 2012, arrival in Japan
30 January 2012, departure from Japan
FUNDING:
160,000 yen (about $1500 at current exchange rates)
HOUSING SUPPORT:
Depending on student preferences and availability, participants will be housed in an independent apartment (free), shared student housing, or a family homestay.
SOCIAL SUPPORT:
Student guides will be provided to help participants with unfamiliar customs and to help in the event of an emergency.
COSTS:
Participants must arrange their own international air fare. (Economy class air fare from Pittsburgh to Osaka is estimated to be between $800 and $1500.) Participants must, in principal, pay for their own local transportation (e.g., subways, taxis) and for their own food; however, some support for these will be arranged, depending on student needs and dietary preferences.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Each participant must ensure that she or he has a valid passport and any other necessary travel documents. Citizens of the US and several other countries are currently able to visit Japan as tourists under the visa waiver program.
TO APPLY
Students interested in applying for this opportunity should submit the following items to the Office of Global Education either electronically (GlobalEd@washjeff.edu) or in hard copy (to Burnett 002) no later than Monday, October 24:
1) A study proposal of 2-3 pages, explaining your reasons for wanting to travel to Japan, and summarizing the independent research that you wish to pursue while in Japan.
2) A letter of support from a W&J faculty member who has agreed to oversee your independent study.
A faculty committee will review applications and select participants.
Please feel free to contact Traci Fruehauf, director of global education, with any questions.