Location

Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Uji, Yokohama, Enoshima Tokyo, Japan

Program Description

Upcoming Virtual Program Information Session:

• Sunday, October 19th, 1pm. Join via Zoom.

This six-week study abroad program in Japan offers an enriching blend of language learning, cultural immersion, and exploratory adventures, carefully designed to provide an ideal balance between class time, excursions, and free time. Students can choose between two distinct tracks:

1) Language Track: Students enroll in JAPN 212, enabling them to complete an entire year's curriculum (six credits) of second-year Japanese.

2) Literature and Culture Track: Students enroll in two courses from the following three options: (a) JAPN 446 or HUM 200; (b) JAPN 447; and (c) JAPN 490, for a total of six credits.

Over the span of six weeks, students will immerse themselves in the heart of Japan's rich heritage. Kyoto, renowned as the historical, cultural, and religious center of Japan, serves as our primary base. While in Kyoto, students can indulge in the city's culinary delights and explore its vast array of shops.

Integral to the program are excursions to important heritage sites, museums, temples, shrines, castles, and palaces. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to partake in hands-on cultural experiences such as Zen meditation, the traditional tea ceremony, and manga workshops. To foster genuine cross-cultural interaction, we have designed events where our participants can interact with local university students, paving the way for a more profound understanding of contemporary Japanese life.

Furthermore, the itinerary includes:

• A day in Osaka
• A two-day immersive experience in Nara, visiting its ancient temples and sacred deer
• A day in Himeji, renowned for its amazing castle
• A day in the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama
• A day at Enoshima and its nearby sand beaches
• Eight days in Tokyo, visiting its most iconic locations such as Asakusa, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, and Akihabara

To ensure that students also have personal exploratory experiences, several free days are embedded within the program. This time can be used to independently discover hidden gems or delve deeper into areas of personal interest. Join us on this journey to experience the harmonious blend of Japan's age-old traditions and its vibrant modernity.

Location Description

The program immerses students in the cultural tapestry of Japan, with a primary base in the historic city of Kyoto for five weeks. Kyoto, the former capital and heart of traditional Japanese culture, boasts about 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines and represents roughly 20% of Japan's National Treasures.

The city, visited by over 55 million tourists annually, features 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites under "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Beyond its rich heritage, Kyoto leads in traditional crafts, from kimonos to exquisite textiles. The city's culinary landscape offers unique delights, and its influence extends to the entertainment industry, with Uzumasa district known as "the Hollywood of Japan." In addition to the deep dive into Kyoto's wonders, students will embark on a week-long exploration of Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, teeming with modernity while preserving pockets of its storied past.

Director

Aram Shahin | shahinax@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Yuho Nemoto | nemotoyx@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Accommodations

Students will stay in shared apartments or hotel rooms that come equipped with Wi-Fi/internet access, kitchen amenities, and laundry facilities. These accommodations are conveniently located near supermarkets and restaurants, making daily errands and meal preparations easy. Additionally, public transportation, such as train stations and bus stops, is within close reach.

The program covers all meal expenses (21 per week). Students will receive a meal stipend for daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There will also be a few group meals organized by the program.

Additional Items to Consider

• No visas are required at the moment for US citizens and citizens of certain countries
• Internet/Wifi access is available in all apartments. The apartments are furnished and have kitchens and laundry facilities.
• The cost of all group excursions (travel and admission fees) is also covered by the program
• Cell phones and portable Wi-Fi may be rented in Japan. SIM cards can also be purchased

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

No knowledge of Japanese required for the culture and literature track. One year of Japanese or its equivalent is required for the language track.

Open to all class levels and majors, including graduate students and non-JMU students 

Prerequisites:

No prerequisites required for HUM 200, JAPN 446, JAPN 447, and JAPN 490

JAPN 102 or equivalent or permission of instructor for JAPN 212