| Should I get a rail pass? | What is the attendance policy? |
| How do I set up my weekend accommodations? | What do I do about my books? |
| Are youth hostels a good option? | What is expected academically? |
- Apply for the program at the link to the left. This will hold your place as long as you meet the requirements and are accepted into the program.
- Download all the other forms. Complete and return to the UNO-Japan office as directed in the emails you receive.
- As soon as we receive all completed forms we will contact you regarding your acceptance status.
- If you would like to receive an application packet in the mail, please call:
504-280-6388 or e-mail us at: UNOJapan@uno.edu
After I have a space on the program what happens next?
- You will receive more information in the mail, e-mail and over the Internet which you must complete.
- We will continue to communicate with you about upcoming deadlines as we go along.
- Apply soon as space is limited!
When should I apply for a Passport?
NOW! Do not wait. It can take from two days up to many weeks to get a passport. This is very urgent. Please check to see that your passport has not expired. Your passport must be valid for when you return into the United States. You will have to pay an extra fee to have it mailed to you in time for the trip if you apply late.
A complete list is in the Student Newsletter. Do not bring too much! We know from experience that it is better to travel light. When in doubt leave it out! If you plan on bringing back gifts and goodies for your family you will need room in your suitcase on the return trip. Remember it is only a few weeks in Japan; you do not need 10 pairs of shoes or 6 pairs of blue jeans.
Note: you can run into problems with Customs by bringing a lot of clothes, they may think you are trying to sell them on the black market! No joke!
What is my mailing address in Kyoto?
Your Name
C/o The UNO-Japan Summer Program
TBA
Please do not mail anything to arrive before May ?.
We recommend about $200 - $300 a week depending on the exchange rate. This should cover evening meals and weekend travel expenses. This is only an estimate. You will have to decided on how much you will need!
There is a mandatory curfew in place only on nights preceding class days. The curfew will be enforced from 2:00am - 6:00am . It is very important that all students return to the housing prior to the 2:00am curfew.
Does the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship apply?
Freeman-ASIA does offer a scholarship to use towards study in Asia, and this program qualifies. Be sure to apply early (the deadline is usually in early March). Here's the link: http://www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-ASIA/
How do I handle my money while travelling?
One very important item of consideration when planning your trip is money. Carrying around a lot of cash is risky. The best method for money exchange is through ATM machines. These offer the best rate of exchange and can be accessed twenty-four hours a day. Apply for a debit card now. It is important that your debit card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, or the Cirrus or Pulse logo or combination of both on the reverse of the card. These are the international networks for ATM machines. If your card has Plus it may or may not work overseas. Please contact your bank for more info on the Plus network.
Traveler's Checks also are also an alternative, but not recommended anymore. If you use Traveler’s Checks, record the check numbers so you will easily be able to report exactly which checks are missing, if necessary. Keep part of your supply of checks in a separate location; if you have the misfortune of losing checks, at least you won't lose them all. Remember that most banks in Japan are closed on weekends, so plan ahead to avoid problems. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the UNO-Japan Office. We advise you to contact your bank regarding withdrawls from overseas.
Tipping is not customary in Japanese restaurants, taxis, or pretty much anywhere. Some Americans are known to tip, however, so sometimes you might sense these expectations. Or you might feel that someone has given you excellent service above and beyond. Only in rare cases should you tip if you really feel compelled to do so.
The Japanese are famous for their trains. Depending on your travel needs, you will want the right pass. For more help on this topic, visit the following web site: http://www.kintetsu.com/jrpass/?gclid=CKXxvoK06pECFRGoGgodp1y_gA.
How do I set up my weekend accommodations?
All students are responsible for arranging their own travel arrangements while in Kyoto. The UNO-Japan office can help you to a limited degree. It is wise to make your travels plans prior to the start of the summer.
Are youth hostels a good option?
Youth hostels can be both affordable and convenient. This can also be a great place to make new friends encouraging students to really enjoy their stay. There is no one way of which to describe a typical youth hostel of Kyoto. Some hostels are fairly quiet, and peaceful, while others have a fun and lively atmosphere. Some of these may have a mandatory curfew.It is always convenient to book a room at a hostel prior to checking in. For more help in choosing a youth hostel in Kyoto, visit the following website: www.hostelworld.com
What is the weather like in Kyoto?
The weather in Kyoto is generally very hot and humid in summer and cold in winter. The average annual temperature is 42.8 °F (5.6°C). Annual rainfall is 21.47 in (545.4 mm). The temperature goes as high as 103.6°F (39.8°C), and as low as 15.1°F (-9.4°C). There are four distinct seasons. The atmosphere in the cities and towns differs greatly depending on the season of the year. Be prepared for anything. Bring an umbrella or raincoat. You may need it.
Yes. You will need dress clothes for the opening ceremony. Ladies will need a dress / skirt. Gentlemen will need a coat and tie. But otherwise, the causual clothes are always fine for Kyoto.
No, but it is not a bad idea to learn a little before you go. You do not need to know much, just the basics, i.e. thank you, please, your welcome, excuse me, etc.People in Kyoto speak with a unique accent. Even if you study Japanese (standard Japanese) it can sometimes be difficult to understand them. Most but not everyone can speak English, but when in Rome do as the Romans do. Try to speak as much as you can, it can be fun.
YES! The water in Kyoto is fine! The water tastes great and it is healthy. Don't waste your money on bottled water.
Do I really have to wait at crosswalks?
Yes. You can get a ticket for jay walking. Especially in Japan, it is not wise to risk getting a ticket for jay walking. Most people wait for the sign to change. It appears that only tourists jay walk from what we have seen. Your goal is to fit in with the Japanese setting as much as possible. The police station is half a block away from the Rössl student dorm. Don't tempt the police to stop and give you a ticket.
How do I get my grades to my school back home?
Grades will be automatically sent to your university in the weeks following the completion of the summer school. Please note that we can not send out official transcripts until we receive the room damage report from the dormitory. All students will receive an official certificate (with grades) upon completion of the program. All students grades will be sent to their university - NO EXCEPTIONS. If you have any questions regarding the transcript process please contact us at the UNO-Japan office.
I am graduating in the summer, how fast can I get my grades?
Your grades will be sent to your university as soon as possible. We do not make any exceptions. It may take a few weeks to get the grades into the system, the grades printed on the transcripts, sent to your school and to have your school enter them into their computer system, so please be patient. Our advise, do not plan to graduate in the summer, or you may have to wait awhile. Also, grades will only be sent after we have receive the room damage report from the dormitory. Just to let you know, we try our hardest to ensure that your transcript is sent to your school as soon as possible.
Do I need a laptop computer in Kyoto?
We do not recommend you bring a laptop on the program. The program is designed where it is not necessary for students to have a laptop. All papers that are assigned will be hand written. If a student has access to a computer and printer he/she will not receive extra credit for typed papers. Another reason for not bringing a laptop is that there is always the possibility of theft or damage.
Do I need to bring my own bed sheets and bath towels?
No. The housing has maid service. Towels are changed twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. Once a week students will have their bed sheets changed. We recommend that students bring face towels and a beach towel.
What are the outdoor activities in Kyoto?
Known for it's Buddhist shrines, electronics corporations and delicious foods, Kyoto is a favorite destination for travelers. Over a thousand temples still stand, as well as 17 World Heritage Sites and Imperial Parks which are perfect for a stroll (http://www.destination360.com/asia/japan/kyoto.php). Two of the more relaxing things to do in Kyoto is visit the various Zen Temples and Kyoto Gardens. Besides, hiking is also popular in the northern mountains of Kyoto which is less than one hour from the city center.
Kyoto is an extremely safe city. Kyoto, with a population of about 1.5 million has a low crime rate. As far as environmental factors are concerned, the ground is relatively stable, suffering little from the 1000 earthquakes that hit Japan each year (don't worry, most of them are too small to be felt). It is far enough from the Pacific and Japan Sea and storm surges aren't a problem, and the mountains that surround the city on three sides shear off most of the wind from typhoons (http://www.vcarious.com/Travel-Guide/Japan/Kyoto.html). However, always make sure you are aware of your surroundings.
It is extremely important that students attend class. The UNO-Japan Summer Study Abroad Program has high academic standards which we maintain on all our academic programs. Students attending the UNO-Japan Summer program are allowed one to two absences depending on the faculty member. It is university policy to lower a student's overall performance by a letter grade or by a substantial amount for each absence over the allotted limit. Only the Nurse or the Academic director can authorize an excused absence.
Students are responsible for purchasing their books and transporting them to Kyoto. We do not recommend students mailing their books or other packages to Kyoto for they may get held up in Customs. The Customs agency can charge extremely high fees to release your shipments. Students can purchase their books from any source they choose. The list of the required books will be available in the course syllabus.
What is expected academically?
Students are responsible for attending class regularly, participating in class discussions, attending all required weekend field trips and attending all weekday afternoon field trips. Students may not have access to computers to print papers, therefore all papers are to be handwritten. Students will not be required to do research papers or extensive projects. Although students are not required to have read their texts while still in the United States, we highly recommend that students read and prepare as much as possible for their courses in the upcoming summer so that they will have more free time for travel.
