Japan: Japanese Theatre & Language
*Please note: This program will not run for Spring/Summer 2023. Details below are subject to change.
TOKYO AND OSAKA, JAPAN - This unique program provides students at multiple language levels the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The trip begins with three weeks in Tokyo, the nation's capital and cosmopolitan center, continuing with three weeks in Osaka, Japan's second largest city and center of the historically and culturally important Kansai region. Students will explore Japan's past and present by exploring Tokyo urban centers such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara and ancient shrine and temple complexes in Nikko, Kyoto, and Nara.
The program includes two courses, one in Japanese theatre and the other in Japanese language in practice. The Japanese theatre course focuses on nô, kyôgen, kabuki, and bunraku, the four major genres of traditional Japanese theatre, but also extends to more modern genres and the role of performance in everyday life. The language course is focused on putting language into active use and is open to students at all ability levels. Both classes take full advantage of the Japanese setting, with field trips to view live theatrical performances and regular language activities centered on completing concrete tasks through interaction with native speakers in the community.
Past
Participant Reflections
Japan
Language Flickr
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Program Dates and Application Deadline
Spring/Summer 2023
Estimated Program Dates: May 2023 - June 2023
Application Deadline: September 1, 2022
(Closed)
(6 weeks)
Courses

Students will register for a total of 6 credits:
EAS 333: Japanese Theatre (3 credits) AND
JPN 285: Japanese Language in Practice (3 credits)
Fulfills entire General Education Issues requirement.
Reflection required
Language of Instruction: English and Japanese
Housing
Hostel
Cost and Scholarships

2021 PROGRAM COST
Program Fee: $4,878
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Grand Rapids
- Accommodation
- Field trips and fees
- All ground transportation
Other Expenses
- GVSU Tuition (6 credits) ($3,504)
- Personal expenses ($600)
- Additional meals ($600)
- Passport fees ($150)
- Textbooks ($100)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses): $9,832
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.
Global Programs Scholarship (Varies): The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.
James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad.
To apply for scholarships, visit the Study Abroad Scholarshipspage or GVSU MyScholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility
Open to ALL majors. Open to students at all Japanese language ability levels.
2.0 GPA required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.
Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is required for participation in this program
Already Applied
CDC Report
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
US State Department Information
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
Contact Information
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