June 2-17, 2024
Watch the Video
By Marina Delluc, 2017 participant
Scholarships & Funding
Program Brochure
Contact the Program Director
Dr. Emi Ochiai Ahn
Residential Faculty of Japanese | World Languages Dept.
P: 480-461-7692
Office: 41 - Room: 103
emi.ahn@mesacc.edu
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Program Location
Japan is home to 18 cultural and 4 natural UNESCO World Heritage sites that can be found throughout the country.
Fukuoka is in Kyushu Island with the population of 2.5 million, the sixth largest city in Japan. The average temperature in May is 90.1 degrees (high) and 60.1 degrees (low) with 10 inches of precipitation. It is bordered on the west, south, and east side by mountains and faces the Sea of Japan on the north. The city is approximately 677 miles and a 90-minute flight from Tokyo.
Fukuoka is the economic and industrial center of Kyushu Island and because it is very close to other Asian countries, the harbor has played an important role. Fukuoka has both historical places, represented by Dazaifu Shrine and modern aspects such as “Canal City” shopping and entertaining center.
Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity in Fukuoka, Japan, where you will learn the language as well as conduct a psychological analysis of the traditional and current Japanese pop cultures.
Excursions will include visits to an automobile company, the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine and Kyushu National and Kitakyushu Manga museums, participation in a Hakata doll painting and Japanese tea ceremony as well as the opportunity to watch a Japanese baseball game. You will also visit Ohori Park Japanese Garden/Art Museum, visit local schools and have a kimono dress-up experience.
Highlights of your stay in Japan will include 4 nights with a local Japanese host family. This is a rare opportunity to establish relationships with Japanese people and to learn the way of life in Japan!
Fukuoka awarded Best in Travel 2023 by Lonely Planet!
Lonely Planet suggests: 8 Best Things to Do in Fukuoka
Cultural Excursions
(may vary from year to year)
- Japanese tea ceremony
- Hakata doll painting
- Dazaifu Shrine and Kyushu National Museum visit
- Japanese baseball game
- Kitakyushu Manga Museum
- Manga/anime-related activities
- Visit to Yaskawa robot factory
- Visits to local elementary and high schools for observation & cultural exchange
- Kimono dress-up experience
- Aikido martial arts class
- Ohori Park Japanese Garden/Art Museum.
Summer Courses You Will Take During Program
- 6 credit program - Registration for courses will begin in March 2025.
- REQUIRED online pre-departure coursework: TBA
- JPN115 15289 Beginning Japanese Conversation I (3 cr) OR
- JPN116 15290 Beginning Japanese Conversation II (3 cr)
- Instructor: Dr. Emi Ochiai Ahn
- PSY132 15298 Psychology and Culture (3 cr) [C, G, SB]
- Instructor: Mia Palmer
- MCC instructors will accompany students while in Japan.
- Mandatory study abroad orientation on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 9 am - 2 pm at MCC.
Japan Program Details
- Double occupancy lodging is provided except when staying with Japanese host family for 4 nights.
- Physical requirements: Long walks through town including staircases without elevator access will be required.
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During the summer, Fukuoka, Japan experiences temperatures ranging from the low to high 80's with an average relative humidity of 76% (very different from the dry climate in Arizona). Lightweight, loose fitting clothing made with breathable fabric is suggested.
Did You Know??
- There are millions of vending machines in Japan, and they sell everything from candy and sodas to cell phones and iPods.
- Japan has one of the world's largest economies even though it has few natural resources and must import most raw materials.
- The Toyosu Market in central Tokyo is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, replacing the Tsukiji Market in October 2018.
- Baseball is Japan's most popular sport.
- Currency used in Japan is the yen (Japanese: 円, symbol: ¥; code: JPY; also abbreviated as JP¥)
- Read more detailed cultural information on Japan provided by CultureGrams™ Japan (2024). CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest.
- Diversity Abroad Japan Destination Guide
Estimated Program Costs & Deadlines
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Fee |
$TBA |
Program Fee Due: February 28, 2025 $250 Confirmation Deposit Due (towards total program fee): upon acceptance Confirmation deposit is non-refundable after the program fee payment deadline. |
|
Registration Fee |
$ 15 |
|
| Airfare (estimated cost) | $2,450 |
Your program director will provide you with instructions on purchasing airfare for your program. Only after you have received these instructions should you purchase airfare. |
|
Meals |
$ 270 | Not needed until you land in Japan! |
| TOTAL Estimated Costs | $TBA | (program fee, tuition, airfare and meals) |
| ADDITIONAL COSTS | ||
| Optional Wi-Fi Estimate | $55 | |
| Textbooks | N/A | No textbooks required! |
| Insurance for Participants 60+ Years of Age | $3.56 per day | The program fee includes secondary insurance for participants ages 18-59. There is an additional insurance charge of $3.56 per day for students 60 years and over. |
Passport
Passport Info HereYour passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your return to the USA. |
$165/130 |
Be sure to allow at least 14-18 weeks of processing time for first time applicants and renewals. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for current fees and processing times. |
| Program Application Deadline
Space is limited. Apply early to reserve your place! If program reaches full capacity, you will be put on a waitlist. |
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Scholarships and Funding Your Program
| Title | Date(s) | More Information |
|---|---|---|
|
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Students apply through the college they are receiving financial aid from. |
Maximum Award: $5,000 October Application Deadline October 10, 2024 Application will open in mid-August. March Application Deadline GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP Come learn how to write essays for the Gilman International Scholarship! TBA |
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Maximum Award: $5,000 October Application Deadline October 10, 2024 Application cycle will open in mid-August. January Application Deadline TBA |
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