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Japanese Language & Society

July 6th - August 3rd, 2001
Kobe, Japan (Kansai Region) 4 Weeks
$2495


Kobe (Left) and Sorakuen Garden

The Program

For 4-weeks,July 6th - August 3rd, participants study Japanese language and culture and experience Japan in the Kansai region (Kobe). Discovering Japan by living with a Japanese family and having to use your Japanese language skills daily will certainly be a memorable experience. Language classes are taught in the morning, culture classes on some afternoons, leaving most afternoons and evenings, as well as weekends free to explore the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe). Classes are held at the YMCA in Kobe. Instructors are experienced teachers of Japanese, from local schools and colleges, and the Japanese families are middle to upper income level.Group excursions will include guided tours to Kyoto and Nara (See schedule).

Location

Kobe, Japan. Central Honshu, known as the Kansai (Kinki) region of Japan has a heavy concentration on business, educational, and cultural activities. Kobe is Japan's 6th largest city, and was one of the first ports to open to Western Ships. Many foreign traders settled here in the 19th century, and it soon became a cosmopolitan center. Kobe is a good location, for it is a smaller city than Osaka or Tokyo and offers easy access to Kyoto, Nara and central Osaka.

Osaka is second only to Tokyo in economic importance and population, the Kansai area constitutes the geographical and spiritual heart of Japan - being so close to the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara. Also, the sacred mountain of Mt. Fuji is not so far away. For 4-weeks, participants have easy access to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Nagoya. Tokyo is 3-hours by train.

Courses: Language and Culture

Japanese Language: all levels - Elementary thru Advanced
All students will be given a placement test to determine ability and proper placement. Over 15 hrs. of class per week; Monday thru Friday, from 9:30 am - 12 noon. Japanese writing and special "cultural" classes are offered in the afternoons. Over 55 hours of class time is provided in total, allowing students to earn up to 5 quarter credits or 3-4 semester credits. Saturdays are designated as an "excursion" day. Sundays are "free" days. After classes, students have the afternoon off (free time). There will also be some Japanese cultural events scheduled for some afternoons if students are interested. Courses are conducted at the YMCA in Kobe.
Classes held from July 9th - August 3rd.

LEVEL 1: is for absolute beginners. Course includes study of basic vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Drills in listening comprehension, repetition, and easy conversation building. Reading Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji also emphasized.

LEVEL 2: is for students who have some training, but wish to develop conversation skills. Emphasis on vocabulary building, listening, reading and speaking basic Japanese correctly.

LEVEL 3: Students who are "advanced" level can participate. They will be tested and placed in a proper level with other advanced students.

General Schedule

July 6th........Arrive Kobe Orientation//First night at YMCA
July 7th........Placement Test/Meet host family/Orientation
July 8th........Free Day with Host Family
July 9th.........First Day of Class/9:30 - 12:00 + Afternoon Class
July 9th - August 3rd.........Japanese Language Classes (M-F)....Afternoon classes on designated days....
July 14th.....Excursion to Kyoto
July 20th........National Holiday(no classes)
July 21st.....Excursion to Nara
July 28th.....Free Time
August 3rd.....Last day of Japanese Language Class....Farewell party/Last night with family

Excursions

2 excursions are provided: Kyoto and Nara
Participants are required to join the group for these trips. Other activities may also be provided, and are optional as well as cost extra: Osaka Tenjin festival, and Beer Garden Party. Additional details about excursions (field trips) will be given upon arrival and "welcome orientation" in Kobe.

Housing

Upon arrival in Japan, the first night will be at the YMCA - Kobe (July 6th) double rooms. Starting July 7th - Japanese families (upper middle/high income) will be provided. Location close to the school. 2 meals daily (breakfast and dinner) will be provided by the family. CSA will provide family information to each participant before arrival into Japan. Housing is included in program fee.

If you would like to arrange your own housing in Kobe (Kansai area), that's fine with CSA. Let us know...and we will reduce the program fee accordingly.

Dates and Fees

$2495
July 6th - August 3rd, 2001

FEE INCLUDES: full tuition - intensive language course and cultural courses, textbooks, welcome orientation in Japan, first night in YMCA + breakfast on July 7th, housing with Japanese family, 2 meals daily with family, medical insurance, 2 excursions: Kyoto, Nara, farewell party, YMCA Certificate of Completion and CSA staff escort from Osaka airport to Kobe.Lunch meals are not included in cost . See payment schedule.

NOT INCLUDED: Round trip airfare to Japan, transportation to Kobe, dinner on July 6th, daily lunch, gift to family, train transportation, and other personal expenses.

CSA suggests bringing $600 - $900 extra spending money, and a major credit card. Lunches can be purchased at the YMCA restaurant for approx. $6. Nearby restaurants lunch: $4 - $10.

Registration and Information

Limited enrollment for this program. CSA Registration Form, together with a nonrefundable $95 program deposit should be mailed to CSA Seattle. Please include (or send later) 1-passport photo. Early application is advised.Payments are due upon payment schedule. Program is open to all adults.

DEADLINE: June 8th 2001

Early registration is advised.
*If past the deadline,please contact CSA Seattle, Space may be available.

For further information, please contact:

CSA Program Director
Center For Study Abroad
325 Washington Avenue South #93
Kent, WA 98032
Info: (206) 726-1498 / Office: (206) 583-8191
E-mail: virtuecsa@aol.com

NOTE: Prior to departure, all CSA applicants will receive additional, detailed information about program policies, orientation material, arrival information, housing and general information on Japan.

Who Can Apply

Programs are open to all adults. High school students, college students, teachers, and working adults, . Minimum age is 18. Average age range within group: 19 - 25. Older applicants are encouraged to apply as well. (17 year old students may apply - parental permission needed). Maximum 25.

Japan Entry

Passport required. No visa needed for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens will need to check with the Japanese Consulate closest to them. Please check your passport expiration date.

Travel - Arrival

All applicants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Kobe, Japan. Everyone will meet at the Kobe YMCA on July 6th. CSA will provide you information on how to get to the YMCA Kobe. Don't worry...CSA will make it easy for you to find your way.

A CSA staff person will be meeting students at the Osaka (Kansai International) Airport on July 6th (Japan time) to meet with students and escort them to the Kobe YMCA. We will meet at the Sakura Bank Exchange counter in the main terminal of the Kansai airport...from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. If you want to meet us at the Kansai airport on July 6th...then please let us know.

Also, some students will be traveling to Japan with CSA staff from Seattle...so if you want to join up with us in Seattle let us know...and we will meet you at the departure gate at the Seattle airport on July 5th...we will be traveling on Northwest flight #95 (Seattle to Osaka-Kansai)...departing July 5th...feel free to join us. Call the CSA travel agent - Ms. Judy Sumner at : 1-800-682-1988, ext. 267 if you want help in getting discount tickets.

Overall, we suggest you fly directly into the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan...or you can fly into Tokyo's Narita Airport and then take the 3 hour Shinkansen train to Kobe. Please inform us how you plan to travel to Japan, and our experienced staff will counsel you on the best way to get to the Kobe YMCA.

When arranging your travel plans to Japan, remember the date (time) change when you travel across the Pacific to Asia from North America. For example, to arrive into Japan on July 6th you have to depart the United States on July 5th. On your return when you leave Japan you will arrive back in the USA the same day you departed.

CSA Travel Agent: 1-800-682-1988, ext. 267 (Judy Sumner- Global Express)

Credit

Over 55 hours of class time is provided by university trained, Japanese instructors. Student can earn up to 5 quarter credits, or 3-4 semester credits. Each student will receive, upon completing the course, a "Certificate of Completion" (transcript) from the Kobe YMCA International Center. This will include the course taken, number of class hours, grade, as well as a written evaluation of the student by their instructor. This certificate will be provided in both Japanese and English. The program is fully accredited in Japan.

Payment Schedule

  1. Deadline June 8th: $95 non-refundable program deposit with CSA Registration Form. Contact CSA if past deadline date. No personal checks: cashiers check or money order.

  2. $500 to hold reservation. Payment date given by CSA.

  3. Balance Payment of $1900 by June 20th. (for all arrangements).

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are effective the day received in writing by CSA in Seattle. Cancellations must be in writing to be processed. All payments, less the $95 and $500 program deposits, fully refundable up to the June 8th deadline for registration. After June 8th and up to June 20th (balance payment deadline), less $200 plus any non-refundable costs paid on the participant's behalf by CSA. After final payment deadline (June 20th) less $500, plus any non-refundable costs paid on the participant's behalf by CSA. Within 14 days of departure date, 100% of program cost is non-refundable due to the many expenses involved in arranging a program.

Medical Insurance

CSA will provide all participants with Medical & Accidental insurance through "Wallach Insurance Company" in Virginia. Covers basic medical concerns while traveling overseas. Details will be sent later, Included in program cost.

Additional Information

Upon registration, CSA will send additional information about the program, arrival, housing, orientation, and schedule. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to call us: 206-583-8191, or E-mail: virtuecsa@aol.com

A Word From Our Teachers

I am sure that those of you who are dedicating yourselves to the study of Japanese here at the Kobe YMCA have a variety of different dreams and goals. Whether it be continued study in Japan or using Japanese for work, each of you has made an important decision in your life. Through the study of language one discovers culture. Kobe, rich in both culture and natural beauty, is an ideal choice for the study of Japanese. Kobe has developed as an international city, known for its convenient location and friendly atmosphere. Working in cooperation with the community members, the Kobe YMCA has recently opened a school in Nagata ward. Come study together with us and realize your dreams and goals. It's all up to you.