Japan, Tokyo
http://www.obirin.ac.jp/en/index.html
Apply early. Students are accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Students will participate in J.F. Oberlin University's Reconnaissance Japan Program. This program was developed to allow students from other countries to study Japanese language and culture for one Semester or an academic year. The Reconnaissance Japan Program is a part of Oberlin's School of International Studies, which is dedicated to educating Japanese students about the outside world. Thus, students will be a part of a truly international student body. Oberlin's Center for International Studies offers a varied program of cultural activities and excursions in and around Tokyo. In addition to the formal program activities, students are also encouraged to take part in club or social activities on campus.
Students are required to take one Japanese language class and 2-3 English-language classes that are offered in the Japanese Studies program. Some examples of classes are: History of Japan, Japanese Politics, Cultural Studies on Japan, The Japanese Economy, Japanese Education & Society, Japanese Art, Japanese Literature, Japanese Law, Japanese Management, Japanese Intellectual History, and Studies on Contemporary Japan.
Students with an extensive prior background in Japanese may be excused from the language requirement, depending on the results of their placement test. In these cases, students may take Japanese language classes in the School of International Studies.
Courses taken abroad may satisfy college and departmental core requirements. Students should consult with their advisor to discuss the specific requirements that may be satisfied abroad. Program Site: Oberlin is located in the Tokyo suburb of Machida City. Machida is a bustling, young city that is geared towards the students and young professionals who live there. There are upscale department stores, traditional shops selling tea and kimonos, quiet cafes, and pizza parlors. Machida is well serviced by trains and offers easy access to downtown Tokyo and nearby mountains and beaches.
J.F. Oberlin University is a private co-educational institution. The name Oberlin means "beautiful cherry forest" and is derived from the cherry trees that bloom on campus in early spring. The name also refers to the founder's alma mater, Oberlin College in Ohio. Like many private universities in Japan, Oberlin is a part of a larger education institution, which includes a kindergarten, junior, and senior high schools, a junior college and graduate school. Approximately 5,300 students attend the university and 2,900 attend the various other schools.
Participants in Reconnaissance Japan can choose to live with a Japanese family or in an apartment arranged by Oberlin. The homestay option includes meals and commuting costs. For students living in an apartment, meals are not included, but they offer single furnished rooms with a kitchen, bathroom, and washing machine.
Full-time Northeastern student, 3.0 GPA, and middler (third) year or above. One year's previous study of the Japanese language is recommended (although not required).
Applications are available at OISP, 10 BV.
$21,400 per Semester for the 2009/2010 academic year. Includes: tuition, housing, orientation, and round-trip airfare via Boston.
