Japan: Culture+ Japanese Language
| Dates: | July 8– August 6, 2008 |
| Cost: | $5975 |
| Application deadline: | May 8, 2008 |
Field Studies
While classroom study of Japanese is critical, the Intrax Culture+ program places heavy emphasis on immersion as means of ingraining language skills. These skills, in turn, bring Japanese history and culture to life for you by enriching your interactions with locals.
Okazaki city is located in Aichi province near the city of Nagoya. This area is well-situated for easy access to the Japanese Alps and the historic peninsula of Ise, the birthplace of Shintoism and home to Japan's most famous Shinto shrines. While participating in field studies on our Culture+ program, you will find yourself hiking in the Japanese Alps, soaking in natural hot springs and staying overnight in an ancient temple. In addition, we will travel deep into the mountains to visit the studios of master potters and artists and to learn about their traditional techniques. Historic battlefields where samurai and shogun battled for power will be the backdrop for some classes. Tea ceremonies at the royal Joan Tea House and at an ancient samurai barracks will provide inspiration for a group reflection on the differences between the life of a noble and that of a samurai in the Tokugawa period.
A crucial component of your field studies is an independent study project (ISP) supervised by the ICC instructor that incorporates reflection papers, one-on-one contact with locals, more language acquisition and group discussions on how your ICC training has honed your global skills.
Field-based activities incorporate reflection papers, language classes, ISP work and one-on-one contact with local people. Incorporating ICC, classroom and field-based learning into one program is part of what makes the Intrax Culture+ a truly unique study abroad experience.
