Dear applicant of MHCC study abroad in Japan: Thank you so much for your interest in participating in the Learn Japanese in Kyoto, also known as MHCC @ Ryukoku program. MHCC @ Ryukoku Program is a cultural exchange program. All participants of the program will have opportunities to experience Japanese culture by interacting with the local people including the students at Ryukoku University and host families. During the weekday mornings, participants will be taking the Comparative Culture class taught by MHCC instructor. The topics covered in the class will have direct connections to the homestay, field trips and daily encounters the participants have while in Japan. Five field trips include destinations to some historical and cultural sites. Participants will also have activities such as conversation exchange time with Ryukoku University students and experiencing tea ceremony in some afternoons. This study abroad program is a perfect introduction to Japan for anyone who is considering the study of Japanese language, culture and society. Attached, you will find: 1) Study abroad in Japan flyer 2) Document submission and payment due dates and 3) Preparing for the trip 4) Other cost for the study abroad in Japan 5) Program application form cover page / Cancellation policy 6) For your record ALL DOCUMENTS BELOW ARE DUE BY WEDNESDAY 1/17/2018 1) Program application form 2) Scholarship application from 3) Evaluation form (2 pages) 4) Goals and targets 5) Medical check form 6) Health insurance / Emergency contact information form 7) Release form 8) Homestay application form (Not included in this packet. Homestay application is available at https://www.mhcc.edu/japanesesummeroutboundprogram/. Hard copies are available at AC#2385 in MHCC Gresham campus.) Two photo copies of your passport (picture page) are due at the mandatory orientation in May. You will receive the information about the orientation by e-mail. E-mail is the main method of communication for this program. Please make sure to provide the e-mail address you check often (once a day at least) on the application form. I hope you will join the trip in the summer 2018, Yoko Sato (yoko.sato@mhcc.edu) Program leader of MHCC @ Ryukoku Summer Program has both way exchange program with Ryukoku University; MHCC @ Ryukoku, an outbound summer program and Ryukoku @ MHCC, an inbound winter program. For summer program, a group of MHCC students study Japanese language and culture for 3 weeks at the Ryukoku University campus in Japan. A group from Ryukoku University comes to MHCC to study English for 3 weeks during the winter while staying with a host family. Information about the Ryukoku University can be found at http://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/english2/index.php (English site).
MHCC STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM Learn Japanese in Kyoto, Japan June 23th through July 14th, 2018 (tentative) Cost: $2500 Including Airfare This does not include MHCC tuition fee or personal expenses such as food and souvenirs. Participants must enroll in INTL210 Comparative Culture (3 credits) for summer 2018. Acceptance to this program will be based on the availability of host families. Program cost includes: Airfare Airport transfer in Japan Accommodations (shared room and some homestay) Admissions and transportation for 5 field trips such as to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hyogo and Nara Transportation to Ryukoku University *Some of your cost might be reimbursed by grants or by low-interest loans through Financial Aid if you have filled out FAFSA. Contact Financial Aid for details. Typical day: Comparative Culture class in the morning held @ Ryukoku University Conversation exchange sessions with Japanese university students in some afternoons Afternoon field trips and full day field trips on some days Requirements: Strong academic focus. Be in good physical condition. This trip involves a lot of walking, climbing, getting in and out of crowded transportation on muggy days. Willingness to try the way Japanese people do things in Japan during the program. This can mean being flexible with your eating habits and personal space. Must be 18 years or older on the day of the departure. If hosting university receives a grant, following requirements will be added since the grant would benefit all participants. o Having taken Japanese language class before the trip o GPA of 3.067 or better o Continuing to study at MHCC or graduating with a degree from MHCC after the trip Priority will be given to new program applicants. E-mail Yoko Sato (yoko.sato@mhcc.edu), Learn Japanese in Kyoto Program Leader, now to be added on the list of prospective participants and receive updates.
Document submission and payment due dates ASAP to secure your place in the program (No later than January 17, 2018) To: Cathy Nichols in Business Office Business Office Attn: Cathy Nichols 26000 S.E. Stark St. Gresham, OR 97030 *You may go to the Business Office instead of mailing if you like. Program application form (copy), student ID or SS# $200 non-refundable deposit *If check, payable to MHCC. Write down your account number (your MHCC ID or social security #) on the check. Also, make sure to indicate that this payment is for the trip to Japan. No later than Wednesday January 17, 2018 To: Yoko Sato in Humanities Humanities Department Attn: Yoko Sato 26000 S.E. Stark St. Gresham, OR 97030 *You may put the items below in Yoko Sato s box in Humanities Department if you like. Program application form (original) Evaluation form from your teacher or from your supervisor at work Scholarship application form Your goals and targets Medical check form Homestay application form Release form No later than Monday March 5, 2018 To: Cathy Nichols in Business Office Payment of $1300 (This will be used along with your deposit of $200 to purchase your air ticket.) *If your second payment is late: Your airline ticket will not be purchased later at the same time as everyone else s. That probably means it will not be at the best price. Therefore, it is very likely that you will be paying more to make up the price difference. This can possibly mean additional $1000 or more. There is also a possibility of not having a seat on the same flight with the group. That can cause you additional cost to arrange special transportation for you to arrive at your accommodation. No later than Monday May 28, 2018 To: Cathy Nichols in Business Office Last payment of $1000
Preparing for the trip Passport You will need a passport. You can apply at Gresham City Hall (1333 NW Eastman Parkway), Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will take approximately six weeks, so plan ahead and apply soon. Call their passport information line (503-618-2619) for what you need to bring. If you have a passport, check it for the expiration date and if necessary renew it. No visa is needed to enter Japan if you are an American citizen. Money To be safe, take at least $750 to cover your personal expense. Japan is a cash country. Credit cards are not so convenient for withdrawing cash from ATM machines or at banks. It will make your trip much easier if you bring cash. However, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at larger restaurants and gift shops. Discover card and American Express are not so commonly used in Japan. Make sure that you have at least one credit card, either Visa or MasterCard for emergency. Bring at least $200 in cash to start your days in Japan. The rest can be exchanged from US $ to Japanese yen at the bank inside of the airport once we arrive in Japan. Traveler s checks are safer to carry around. However, it has become very hard to find them in the USA nowadays. If you are using Traveler s check, make sure to purchase the American $ check (not in Japanese yen). We will exchange American dollars and Traveler s checks into yen when we arrive at an airport in Japan. Clothing The rainy season is usually from mid-june to mid-july. It is a heavier rain than the kind in Oregon. And it is very humid. A small folding umbrella will come in handy. Temperature can be warm (70-110F). Summer clothes (preferably cotton) and a light sweatshirt or cardigan will do. Bring modest clothes. No underwear should be showing including bra straps, men s underwear, etc. Tank tops for women are OK but make sure to bring something to cover the shoulders for visits to temples, etc. T-shirts are better but don t choose the ones that reveal too much of your breast. Bring a pair of good walking shoes for our field trips. First Aid/Prescription Drugs It is miserable to get sick away from home. You can complicate your condition by using drugs you are not familiar with. Bring the medicines you are used to. Metamucil, Tums, and cold/allergy tablets may be good to bring. If you take prescribed medicines, carry them in the carry-on bag, not in the suitcase. Word of advice: Japanese government is very strict on narcotics and drugs. Even a small amount of marihuana is enough to send you to jail. Textbook Students will be working on the topics closely related to their activities during the trip. A dictionary is required for all participants. It is your responsibility to acquire it before departure. There will be one or two mandatory orientation meetings a few weeks before the departure day. We will verify passport, health insurance and talk about rules and precautions. For further questions please send me an e-mail at Yoko.Sato@mhcc.edu. Yoko Sato Program Leader of Learn Japanese in Kyoto Humanities Division
Other cost for the study abroad in Japan The program fee does not cover the items below: 1) Tuition for Comparative Cultures course (3 credit). See the fee below (for summer 2017). The MHCC Board of Education sets tuition/fee rates and reserves the right to make changes without notice. The amount of tuition charged is determined by the student's residency and the number of credits they are registered for. A College Service Fee of $45 per term is assessed to students registered for a minimum of one credit, and an Access Fee of $35 per term is assessed to students registered for a minimum of two credits. Credit Hours 3 In-State $327.75 Out-of-State $654.75 International $735.75 2) Small dictionary (Japanese-English and English-Japanese) $15-$40 If you have one already, there is no need to purchase a new one. Digital dictionary will do, too. 3) Food $15-$30 per day (If you are going to try a fancy Japanese restaurant, bring a lot more!) Typical day Breakfast pastries and bread bought at a bakery, and a cup of coffee $5-8 Lunch any size, any kind at Ryukoku University Cafeteria. Lots of varieties and they taste GREAT! $4-10 Dinner There are some super markets/ grocery stores where students can purchase prepared bento. Or go out and try Japanese restaurant. There are some reasonably priced restaurants around the school. Ryukoku University also has several cafeterias on campus. $5-15 Approximately you will be purchasing: 10 breakfasts, 20 lunches, 10 dinners totaling about $200-$430 4) Drink $3 and up per day If it becomes hot and muggy, you will be buying a lot of bottled and canned drinks. They taste great but they can be costly. Tap water is drinkable where you stay so you can put water in your own bottle to save $. 5) Coin Laundry $15-$30 during the program 6) Money for extra trips you want to take. (Transportation, admission, etc.) A bus ride in Kyoto $3 (all-day ticket $6). Popular temples and shrines charge admissions of $5-9. It doesn't have to be expensive to have fun. There are a lot of scenic areas where you can hike. 7) Souvenirs and other items you want to purchase 8) Add $100 just in case!
Program application form cover page You will have to be older than 18 year s old on the trip departure date to participate in this trip. Follow the instructions below precisely or your application form will be asked to redo. What you need to do to hold your place: (REQUIRED) Fill in the application form clearly neatly written in black ink or typed with 1) your MHCC ID #. If not MHCC student yet, social security # for creating your trip account 2) exact spelling of your full name as it appears on your passport or on your birth certificate 3) two references (your supervisor or your teacher) with their phone numbers and e-mail addresses, and which communication form they prefer Make a copy of the application form above. Mail or take the copy of the application form and $200 nonrefundable deposit to Cathy Nichols in Business Office (Grants and Contracts). If check, payable to MHCC. Business Office Attn: Cathy Nichols 26000 S.E. Stark St. Gresham, OR 97030 Mail or take the original application form to Yoko Sato in Humanities Division along with all other forms. Make sure that you have all other documents completed neatly in black ink. Use the last page of this packet to check if you have completed all your documents. Humanities Division Attn: Yoko Sato 26000 S.E. Stark St. Gresham, OR 97030 Keep this page for the Cancellation Policy. Attend the mandatory orientation meetings at MHCC before the trip. *You might be contacted for an interview. Cancellation Policy 1. The $200 deposit will not be refunded if you cancel the application. 2. If MHCC cancels the program due to low enrollment (minimum of 12 participants) or other reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded in full. 3. If the program leader declines your application, the $200 deposit will be refunded in full. 4. Refund of the airline ticket will follow the airline's (or travel insurance) refund policy. 5. Some unspent funds (except for nonrefundable $200) will be refunded if you cancel before the day of the departure. 6. There will be no refunds for the cancellation on the day of the departure and thereafter. Deadline is Wednesday 1/17, 2018 or when 12 spots are filled.
Program application form PLEASE PRINT NEATLY IN INK WHEN FILLING THE FORM. Full Name: *Must be exact spelling as on your passport. Failure to provide your complete name can result in a fee set by the travel agency or not being able to fly. First Middle Last Gender Are you already MHCC student? Nationality MHCC ID # or SSN (required for making your trip account) Mailing address Town/City State Zip Date of birth E-mail Please type clearly. *Correct working e-mail address is necessary for trip updates and payment receipts. Make sure to check your e-mail every day. Telephone (include area code) How did you find out about the program? Roommate preference: I want to room with Please match a roommate. List two references (supervisors or teachers preferred) and their contact information, either phone numbers or e- mail addresses. Proficiency Level of Japanese Language: List all Japanese language classes you have taken and you will be taking before the trip, if any. If you have taken Japanese language classes at MHCC and have received A or B grade, please write down the grade as well as when you took the class. That is for calculating your discount. Also list any previous trip to Japan.
Scholarship application form Scholarship from Japan (about $800 per student) might become available. However, availability of the scholarship will not be announced until April, 2018. Due to the time of air ticket reservation, you will have to prepare all necessary documents before notification of availability of the scholarship. The items listed below are due January 17, 2018. It is strongly suggested that you prepare and submit the documents as soon as possible. If too many applicants, application process will close without notice. Nationality: Current GPA (3.067 or more?): *This is needed only if we receive the grant. Even if you don t have the necessary GPA, you can still participate in the program. You just won t receive the scholarship from Japan even if the program receives the grant. Are you currently a MHCC student? Which Japanese language class or culture class have you taken or are you currently taking? Will continue the study at MHCC after the program? Will graduate from MHCC after the program with a degree? Do you plan to use other scholarship to pay for the program? If so, how much? Other requirements: Meeting all requirements to participate in the MHCC study abroad program in Japan. Selection process also includes an interview. Time and location will be announced later. Deposit must be paid and all items above must be submitted by March 8, 2018. Contact Yoko Sato (yoko.sato@mhcc.edu) Learn Japanese in Kyoto, Humanities Department Program Leader: Yoko Sato
Evaluation form for Study abroad in Japan participation (2 pages) Applicant/Student s name: Study abroad in Japan is a summer 3 week cultural exchange program. All participants of the program will have opportunities to experience Japanese culture by interacting with the local people including the local university students and host families. The participants will stay in the shared hotel rooms for about 10 days, then another week with host families. They commute on public transportations which are likely very crowded to a Japanese University during the day for their classes and activities. The program includes several field trips to historical and cultural sites which are often not handicap accessible. Each participant also plans and carries out his/her own day-trip. Evaluator s name: Phone: Email: *You might be contacted about the applicant. Organization: Title/Position: City/State: The length you have known the applicant: Relationship to the applicant: Please complete the backside of this page.
Please fill out the chart below indicating how you evaluate the applicant s skills. Teamwork (Getting along with others.) Poor Below Average Above Excellent No basis for Average Average judgment Dependability (Taking care of things in timely manner, etc.) Adaptability (Being flexible when things don't work out as planned.) Sincerity and Responsibility (Doing what he/she says he/she will do.) Awareness and Sensitivity (Cultural sensitivity, Gender sensitivity, etc.) Communication Skills (Being able to communicate clearly, sincerely in timely manner.) Attitude (Keeping positive attitude.) Stress Management (Being able to manage own emotions.) Independence (Being able to act independently.) Leadership (Being able to lead a group.) Other comments: Evaluator s signature: Date: Please put this form back to the applicant in a sealed envelope with your initial written across where sealed. Have the applicant pick it up and submit to the program leader before January 17, 2018 so that he/she can put this together with other documents they submit by 1/17/2018. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Yoko Sato Study Abroad in Japan 2018 Program Leader Humanities Department 26000 SE Stark Gresham, OR 97030 Yoko.sato@mhcc.edu
Goals and targets to be achieved through this program First set at least one goal you want to aim for through this program. Your goal should be broad and general. It is not usually easily measurable. Here is one example. 1. I want to be able to speak Japanese more fluently. Then set concrete, measurable, and realistic targets for you to accomplish in order to help achieve each goal. For each goal, set at least 3 targets. Targets to help achieve the goal #1 above might include: 1. I will speak in Japanese to at least one new Japanese student I meet on campus every day during the program. 2. I will not speak any English with my host family. 3. I will use at least one new word in Japanese every day so that I can increase my vocabulary. Write your own goals and targets below. Goals: Targets: Your goals and targets will be required to be posted on MyMHCC or Blackboard whichever is setup by the instructor. They will be shared with other participants. At the end of the program, you will evaluate your achievements toward your targets and goals. This is the back side of Goals and Targets.
This is the backside of Goals and targets when printed double-sided.
Medical check form If you have any medical condition requiring taking prescription medications to Japan, you will need to consult with your doctor and get a note from him/her about your medications. This note is often asked at the customs in Japan when you bring in your medication. Failure to provide the note can result in unnecessary questioning and complications at the customs. 1. If you do not have any existing medical conditions, please sign here. I have read and understand the above policy. I do not have any existing medical conditions. Student s name (print): Student s signature: Date: You can ignore the rest of this form. 2. If you do have any existing medical condition requiring taking prescription medications to Japan, inform your doctor about this summer study abroad program. Make sure to talk about the conditions that you will be in. The condition you will be in: very hot and very humid will be walking several hours a day, sometimes in a hot and humid climate will be under the stress of not understanding the language and culture much will be sharing a small hotel room with a roommate will be staying at a Japanese host family for a week program schedule is pretty busy, not a leisurely travel many field trip destinations are not handicap accessible Medication taken to Japan must be only for yourself, and in a quantity for one month or less. Medications need to be in the original containers with the labels. Please ask your doctor to write a note that contains your name, medication and what the medication is for. Attach the note to this form and submit it by the date of the orientation. *If you require any injection(s), you will also need to apply for an important certificate called yakkan shoumei from Japanese government. More information is available at http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/healthmedical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa1.pdf After consulting with the doctor, specifically over the concerns above I understand the risks of traveling to Japan with the health issues I have. I have read and understand the above policy. I agree and have complied with the above requirements. Student s name (print): Student s signature: Date:
This is the backside of Medical check form when printed double-sided.
Health insurance coverage I understand that I am required to have health insurance coverage for s Summer Japanese Program in Kyoto, Japan. I have my own health insurance coverage that covers me outside of the U.S.A. My insurance company is My policy # is Your name (print) Signature Date Place a copy of your insurance card here. If no card, make a copy of the necessary information about your company and policy, and attach it to this form. Emergency contact information In case of emergency please contact: Name Relationship Email Phone Best hours to reach them if we have to call: Name Relationship Email Phone Best hours to reach them if we have to call:
Release form for study abroad programs Please write clearly. Name Date of Birth Address Apt # City/Town State Zip Home phone ( Other phone? ( ) ) email In case of emergency, notify: Name Relationship to you Phone ( ) Email I plan on participating in the Three Week Japanese Immersion Program in Kyoto, Japan. I understand that travel has risks, both to participants and to property. I understand and accept that, its officers, employees, and volunteers assume no responsibility or liability in connection with this study abroad program or to the transportation associated with it. Neither will Mt. Hood Community College be responsible or liable for any act, error, or accident related to the program or the participants, whether negligent or not. reserves the right to terminate the program should the program director see cause, and also to decline to accept or retain participants as members of the program. I have read the above and agree to accept the program s terms and risks. I also authorize the trip leader or qualified medical person to take whatever first aid action deemed necessary in their sole judgment to protect my health and safety in the event of an emergency. Signed Date
For your record Check all your documents. (Written neatly and clearly in black ink? Mistakes cleanly erased with whiteout?) Please submit them all together with a paperclip or in a big envelope so that your loose documents will not be mixed with other people s. Program application form ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Scholarship application form Evaluation form (2 pages) Goals and targts Medical check form Health insurance / Emergency contact information form Release form Homestay application form (3 pages)