Traditional Arts and the Modernization of Education in Japan

This nine-day study abroad program in Japan will allow students to explore and demonstrate the knowledge of the history, customs, values, and education of Japan and Japanese people to compare and contrast cultural aspects (including morals, biases, social norms, and worldviews) of Japan with those of the United States. The course will be organized around a series of lectures, personal interactions, discussions, and a travel period of nine days in Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan. There, the students will describe and analyze the perceptions, viewpoints, real world experiences, and the life experiences of the students in Japan. The students will meet with individuals, university professors, staff personnel, and organizational representatives who will explain

1. The culture and tradition in Japan and the Japanese people,
2. Explore the art, religion and the role they play in society and in education, and
3. Understand how the historical and modern education system in Japan is compared to the historical and current systems in the United States.

In Kyoto the students will experience the traditional side of Japan in one of Japan’s most preserved historical cities and one of Japan’s ancient capitals.

In Tokyo, the focus will be more on modern Japan and education where students will visit and tour a Japanese School (K-12) and a university to interact and discuss with students on topics such as globalization.

Who Should Apply?

• STLCC students and community members who are interested in the arts, culture and history of Japan.
• Students from other colleges and independent travelers who appreciate learning in a community of others are welcome to apply as well.
• The program requires the ability to walk long distances both on uneven pavement and gravel paths.
• All students must be 18+ years of age to participate.

Academic Program

• All students will be enrolled in: GLE:101 Traditional Arts and the Modernization of Education in Japan (3 credit hours).
  • The course may be audited.
• Two mandatory pre-departure orientation meetings at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park will be scheduled.

Program Costs

The estimated program fee is $3885* per person based on double occupancy with a minimum of 15 participants.

The program cost includes:

• Airfare to/from Japan and airport transfers.
• Lodging in 3 star hotels.
• Public transportation within Japan.
• Daily breakfast, one group lunch, and two group dinner.
• English speaking tour guides
• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tours and activities: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Higashiyama area kimono wearing, Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka stroll, Five story Pagoda, Heian Shrine, tea ceremony at En, Gion stroll, Arashiyama area, Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, Edo Tokyo Museum, Tokyo Sky Tree (Main Observatory entry), Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo National Museum, Kabuki Performance, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajyuku & Omotesando, Shibuya and more…
• Gratuities for tour guides and included meals.
• Limited emergency health and travel insurance.

The program fee does NOT include

• STLCC tuition (3 credit hours)
• Passport
• Gratuities other than specified above
• Lunches, dinners and snacks
• Independent touring
• Optional health and travel cancellation protection insurance (strongly recommended)
• Miscellaneous expenses

* The final price may vary due to number of participants, taxes, fees and exchange rate imposed by outside vendors.

To sign up for the program, contact Chris Sulincevski at 314-644-9671 or csulincevski@stlcc.edu.

If you haven’t already please complete the online study abroad application form.

Payment Schedule

You can follow this payment schedule or pay up quicker with larger payments.

• Immediate deposit to secure your spot - $250
• By Oct. 19, 2018 - $500
• By Nov. 20, 2018 - $1000
• By Jan. 18, 2019 - $1000
• By Feb. 20, 2019 - $1135

To secure your spot in the program please download and print this payment form and make a deposit of $250 at the STLCC Cashier. Follow the instructions are on the form. The space is limited so apply today!

Cancellation Policy

• Full refund: Cancel before Oct. 19, 2018.
• Penalties and fees will apply for canceling after Oct. 19, 2018.
• No refunds for cancellation on or after Jan. 18, 2019.

STLCC strongly recommends that in addition to the included program insurance you consider purchasing additional health and travel insurance to cover trip interruption and cancellation.

Space is limited to 20 participants. Apply today!

Faculty Leader

Debra Harper–LeBlanc, Division Dean, Liberal Arts, has been teaching in higher education for 30 plus years in areas of speech, & communication with a focus on cross cultural learning. Her research was education. Debra has travelled and experienced many cultures around the world with fifteen plus years of teaching Interpersonal Communications and Introduction to Communications classes that include understanding culture beliefs, values, biases, social norms, and worldviews with Asian and European countries in comparison to the United States. She is also an author of an Interpersonal Communications textbook that focuses on culture differences, behaviors, and other global and interpersonal communication topics. After several trips to Japan on her own, she has developed a study abroad course in Japan where others can raise an awareness from the cross culture experiences.

In the other hats that she wears at STLCC, Debra is a proven professional and academic leader, who has served community colleges for more than 25+ years. She has held positions as assistant director, tenured professor, and academic dean. As articulated before, Debra is a consummate professional and academician, but importantly, she serves as the Division Dean for Academic Affairs (Liberal Arts) at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. The dean is responsible to the campus chief executive and administrative officer (Provost). In her capacity as dean, Debra has worked extensively to restructure the division to establish continuity, which aligns with the district-wide strategic plan.

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Disclaimer

St. Louis Community College has made every reasonable effort to determine that the information stated in this brochure is accurate. Courses offered and other matters contained herein are subject to change without notice by the administration and/or Board of Trustees of the College for reasons related to enrollment, finances, scheduling, costs, or for any other reason. The College further reserves the right to add, amend or repeal any of the rules, regulations, policies, or procedures applicable to the program offered herein. Travel, housing, meals, and other logistical arrangements are provided by an independent contractor not affiliated with the College and the College assumes no responsibility therefore. Participants will be required to sign a statement releasing the college from any liability in connection with the program offered herein or the services provided by the independent contractor. Insurance coverage is recommended. The College is not responsible for losses resulting from lack of any insurance coverage.

Non-Discrimination Statement

St. Louis Community College is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming, and respectful learning and working environments focused on the needs of our diverse communities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. The College’s nondiscrimination policies apply to any phase of its employment process, any phase of its admission, or financial aid programs, and all of its educational programs or activities.

For information or concerns relating to discrimination matters, contact the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator, Shannon Nicholson, MS, LPC, at 314-539-5345.