Centre-in-Japan

October 2013 – January 2014

The Centre-in-Japan program is housed at Yamaguchi Prefectural University, a small university in the Western ancient capital of the Ouchi culture. In this city of temples and pagodas is the famous 1442 Rurikoji temple. Nearby are the restorative baths of the ancient Yuda Hot Springs. Yamaguchi Prefectural University has recently published an extensive handbook designed to give Centre students much information about everything from housing and home-stay etiquette to how classes are conducted. Centre students who have participated in the last 12 years have been extraordinarily pleased with the truly global experience they have had in this unique program, and many returned to Japan after graduating from Centre.

Eligibility. This exciting program is open to all Centre students. The exchange may be of particular interest to students interested in international relations, history, government, anthropology/sociology, economics, or philosophy. Students who will have studied at least a year of Japanese will be given strong preference for this program, but students who have not studied Japanese will be considered. Four to 10 students will be selected to participate in 2013.

Program dates.The program begins at the very end of September and runs through most of January. Students fly back in time for a brief rest before the start of spring term.

Courses. Except for the Japanese language class and some non-credit "cultural experiences" such as Calligraphy, Judo, Pottery, and Japanese Tea Ceremony, all classes are taught in English. Classes recently offered include "International Relations," "Zen Philosophy and Zen Culture in Japan," "Politics of Japan," "History of US-Japan Relations," "International Economics and Japanese Society," "Japan Through its Literature, History, and Art," "A Cultural Comparison between the U.S. and Japan," "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages," and "Moral Education in Japan and China."

Cost. The cost is the same as studying in Danville, with the exception of a $350 non-refundable deposit/surcharge and a portion of the airfare. Centre subsidizes the airfare for this program so that students going on it pay no more than if they were studying in Mexico or England. In addition, students with low EFC's (Expected Families Contributions) and large "gaps" may qualify for additional help from the Davidson Fund.

How to Apply. Application and faculty recommendation forms may be picked up at one of the campus-wide informational meetings on November 19, November 27, or January 3—or in the cabinet in the Davidson Room of Old Carnegie. Turn in your completed application at the study abroad office no later than noon on February 5. Students who are selected must pay the non-refundable $350 deposit/surcharge to the Cashier's Office in Boles Hall by March 5 to hold their spot in the program.

Medical Insurance. Students studying abroad through any Centre program receive travel and accident insurance at no additional cost. Centre's Study Abroad Insurance, while provided through EIIA (Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators), is administered through AIG Assist. Every student studying abroad with Centre College receives an AIG Assist contact and information card as well as a passport sticker. Each has the Centre insurance policy number, which is the only information needed to receive services. The categories of coverage provided are: accident and sickness ($100,000 limit with a $250 deductible); emergency medical evacuation and emergency family travel ($100,000 limit); accidental death and disability ($200,000 limit); and repatriation of remains ($100,000 limit). For specific questions, please contact the International Programs office at 859.238.5285 or leigh.cocanougher@centre.edu.

Book Air Tickets Early to Save Money. Students in the past have generally been able to find economical round-trip air tickets. Some have found studentuniverse.com, statravel.com, or hipmunk.com helpful sites. Book early for the lowest prices.

Passport. If you do not currently have a passport that will remain valid for at least three months after your return, begin the process of obtaining one as soon as you are selected. In the recent past, some students have waited three months to receive a passport, even though the passport agency has stated that it will take six to eight weeks. Do it now!

To see photos from past Centre-in-Japan experiences, click here.