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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Business, Japanese Language & Culture
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Location
Tokyo
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Host University
J.F. Oberlin University
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Term
Summer 1 2020
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Program Dates
Late Jun, 2020 - Late Jul, 2020
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 16, 2020
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Credit
4 - 4 Host University Units
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
TBA
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Program Description
- Business Track
- Culture Track
- Language Track
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
At the time of application, you should have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your program.
You must be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student in a U.S. college or university. GAP students must provide an official acceptance letter proving their enrollment at a U.S. institution for the semester immediately following their program at J.F. Oberlin University.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to book your flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Academics
Credits
Host University Units
4 - 4
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
3 - 3
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
5 - 5
Academic Information
Course Availability and Selection
- The course list below indicates the proposed courses for the upcoming program. While the list may be used as a general guide while completing your pre-registration form, course offerings and enrollment will not be confirmed until students are on site.
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers and scheduling. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last-minute class cancellations.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the ISA Japan Site Specialist.
Course Credit
- While at J.F. Oberlin University, all students are required to enroll in 2 courses.
- Each course has 27 contact hours and carries 2 JFO credits. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university.
Japanese Language Courses
- Students wishing to take the Japanese language courses are encouraged to learn the Japanese writing systems hiragana and katakana prior to the start of the program.
Courses
select allclear all
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Brittany Lavornia
Senior Program Manager, Japan & Scotland
Originally from little Rhode Island, Brittany acquired her desire for travel when studying abroad for a semester at the University of Roehampton in London, England. During this semester, she traveled the U.K. extensively and collected passport stamps from a dozen countries in Europe. Brittany received a B.S. in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and went on to join ISA in 2015 to advise on programs in England and Scotland. She enjoys enabling students to gain the confidence and self-awareness that comes from studying abroad, and helping plan their big adventures! Brittany enjoys playing with her pitbull Amira, learning coding and graphic design, has started collecting passport stamps from Central America and the Caribbean, and helping her husband begin his collection, starting with Japan!
TOKYO TEAM
Niaya Harper Igarashi
Resident Director, Japan
Niaya Harper Igarashi
Resident Director
Originally from the United States, but has resided in Japan since 2009, Niaya joined ISA in 2014 as Resident Director of the Tokyo office. She graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a BA in History and Spanish, and after a semester abroad in London went on to complete an MA in International Business at Webster University's London campus. During that time her passion for travel and cultural discovery flourished. Prior to ISA she worked in international business development and marketing in London, Houston and New York before settling in Tokyo. In her free time she enjoys hiking, volunteering both locally and abroad, and considers herself a lifelong learner. Niaya is devoted to sharing her love of Japan with the students and helping them realize the many opportunities post studying abroad.
Annie Chang
Student Services Coordinator, Japan
Annie Chang
Student Services Coordinator
Tom O'Neill
ISA Custom Programs Assistant, Sales, Japan
Tom O'Neill
ISA Custom Programs Assistant, Sales
Originally from England, Tom gained a deep appreciation for experiencing other cultures after living in Israel for a year from the age of 7. During that time, his family became very close with a Japanese family, who still remain close friends to this day. Returning back to the UK, Tom later went on to graduate from the University of Sheffield with a BA in Japanese studies and, desiring to share the gift of language and culture he had experienced at a young age, decided to move to Japan to teach at elementary school. Having worked in education, the games industry (and very briefly as a model/stuntman), Tom is excited to share both the culture and his experience living in Japan with ISA students.
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Scholarships and Grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for you to experience aspects of the Japanese lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor of Tokyo. You will have the option of staying in the off-campus student residence with other local and international students or secure your own housing and receive a discount from ISA. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded at all times.
There are differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Japan and the U.S. The key to a positive experience is flexibility. With this in mind, you can have a fantastic stay in Tokyo.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Student Residence
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Nikko
Located north of Tokyo, Nikko is a mountainous region famous for its landscape and history. Many natural hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and temples are settled throughout this beautiful region including one of Japan’s most famous World Heritage Sites: Toshogu Shrine. Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s.
Nikko
Located north of Tokyo, Nikko is a mountainous region famous for its landscape and history. Many natural hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and temples are settled throughout this beautiful region including one of Japan’s most famous World Heritage Sites: Toshogu Shrine. Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s.