Faculty, Staff & Program Participants | Tomodachi Program | How To Enroll | Program Cost and What Is Included
Scheduling | Facilities | Flight Information | Health & Safety
In 2012, the program will offer an array of courses in the Japanese Language, Film, Photography, and Art, with Honors options in most courses (see our Courses page for descriptions and more information). The faculty teaching these classes are UNO faculty and (along with the staff) will be in Kyoto with the group. All of the teachers are familiar with international travel, are comfortable teaching in an international setting, and have seized the opportunity to adapt the specific subject matter of their courses to the enriching environment of Kyoto, Japan, and Asia.
Two program administrators, Mary Hicks and Noriko Ito Krenn, will accompany the program and will staff an office on location. Both will be available to facilitate participants and faculty and coordinate the logistics of the program. The academic director, Mr. Laszlo Fulop, will also be on site to help with student and faculty questions regarding course work, accreditation, and other academic issues. Several Japanese speakers will be able to assist with most Japanese language needs. The participants of the UNO-Japan Program may come from all over the U.S. as well as from our host institution, Doshisha University. This program - due to its list of courses and the attractiveness of its setting - is able to accommodate a wide range of students, from the undergraduate to the adult learner. Often the most memorable experiences of our participants are the exchanges and interactions with their peers, teachers, and Doshisha University students (via the Tomodachi Program) in class as well as in daily life, the housing facility, the campus, cafes . . . and the friendships formed on this program are often lasting. Living and studying in Kyoto for five weeks, immersing yourself in the culture, getting to know your Japanese hosts, fellow students, and teachers will certainly leave students with a lasting impression and good understanding of this city, country, and culture.
The program also offers a unique opportunity for our students to participate in what we call the "Tomodachi Program."
Tomodachi means "friend" in Japanese, and that is the primary goal of the Tomodachi program: to connect UNO-Japan students with local Doshisha students. This can lead to anything from basic language practice to friendship.
We ask for Doshisha students to volunteer, and then assign them to UNO-Japan students for meet-up during the lunch period (12:15 to 1:15 Monday through Friday) on campus. Tomodachi program participants may then meet as often as they like, and sometimes make plans during evening hours and weekends to do extra things together. The name of the program was originally the "Lunchtime Partner Program," so if you wish to see pictures from prior years, they will be listed as such, and are on our "Pictures" web page. |
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| 2011 Participants studying together with their tomodachi |
Students are required to enroll in two courses when they apply online and will earn six credit hours. All credits can be transferred to your home institution if you are not a UNO student. Remember: it is your responsibility to verify with your advisor and/or department that the credits you take in Kyoto can be applied to your curriculum or course of study. If you are not currently enrolled in a university, you can apply for admission to UNO as a new and/or non-degree seeking student. You will need to fill out a university application for admission and meet the UNO Admissions requirements. All forms are available online (see application information).
"This trip changed my life, I have a broader world view now and have become more outgoing. I love Japan and have really enjoyed my time here!"
-Jessica Faucheaux, 2010 Program Participant |
The program fee is $4,095.00 (excl. airfare) and are expected to cover:
- Housing in a single room or double room (if desired, only 2 available)
- Tuition and university fees for six credit hours (2 courses)
- Application fee
- Study Abroad health insurance
- Guided city tour
- Some class and program excursions
- Opening reception and closing party
- Weekly cultural activities and/or guest lectures
- Tomodachi Program
- Full-time staff on site
- Use of computer lab (limited)
- 30-day city bus pass for Kyoto
- Credit transfer fee (for non-UNO students)
*Fees and services included may be subject to change. Such costs as airfare, passport fees, personal travel, or items/activities of a personal nature are not included.
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Program dates: May 27 - June 30, 2012
Classes will meet for 1.5 hours a day per course, Monday through Friday. This schedule leaves weekends for field trips, individual travel, and personal discoveries or time off. During the week, there will be other planned activities such as weekly cultural activities and/or guest lectures, many of which will be optional. Be sure to check out the program calendar here.
We are using the classroom facilities on the Imadegawa & Shinmachi Campuses of Doshisha University (each within short walking distance of the housing facility), one of the oldest and most highly respected institutions of higher education in Japan. The campus is very centrally located in uptown Kyoto, across the street from the Kyoto Imperial Palace park. The classrooms are modern, friendly, and comfortable.
For information on the housing facility, click here.
Click here to get to our calendar.
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In order to get to Kyoto, most will have to fly into Osaka's Kansai International Airport. There is a convenient train from Osaka to Kyoto (http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/kix/index.html).
Students are responsible for booking their own travel arrangements. If possible, Dr. Noriko Krenn will make her itinerary information available to program participants wishing to fly on the same itinerary. She will make this information available if necessary, and only if it is possible for her to do so. Accompanied travel is not included in the program, and is not guaranteed. Students should book their own return itinerary based upon when they wish to return.
When students are making their travel arrangements, they should keep in mind that the program starts on May 27th (arrival day) and ends on June 30th (participants should plan to depart on June 30th, 2012), and that travel to Japan can span one or two dates. Pay close attention to dates when you book your travel! You should not plan to arrive any earlier than May 27 (unless you are able to reserve a room privately). To arrive in Kyoto on May 27, you must leave the U.S. on May 25 or 26 (travel time of over 20 hours and a 14 hour time difference).
We strongly recommend you consider purchasing insurance for trip cancellation and baggage loss. Please check with your travel agent for coverage and quotes.
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Doshisha staff member Kamata-san enjoys his crawfish beads given to him by one of the '09 participants |
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Studying abroad is an exciting experience for a student. You get to know a different environment, culture, and perhaps even learn a foreign language. This can be an experience that will shape your career goals and open your mind to the rest of the world. Safety should be considered when choosing a study abroad program.
While no study program can absolutely guarantee total safety or elimination of all risks, the study abroad program you choose should be one that can give you a certain degree of comfort. The University of New Orleans and our partner institutions work together to provide a safe environment for our participants. A comprehensive Study Abroad Health Insurance policy is included in the cost of the program. Click here for the policy information. We also require that each student fills out our Medical History form online.
We would also like to encourage each student to discuss his/her plans with a parent or significant other, leaving important information with that person in case of an emergency. This might include such information as the student's contact information in Kyoto, the contact information for the Program Coordinators in Kyoto, the contact information for the UNO Division of International Education in New Orleans, as well as data such as passport number, credit card numbers (in case of a stolen wallet), etc.
Japan is well-known for being a very safe country. It is important to remember, however, that basic safety measures are always a good idea. Everyone should always be conscious of his/her surroundings, and keep track of valuables in any situation. Locking personal belongings in rooms and being careful on the streets is never a bad idea.
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For more information, please call or email us.
Office telephone: (504) 280-6388; or UNOJapan@uno.edu |
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