{"id":144,"date":"2015-10-30T11:14:55","date_gmt":"2015-10-30T18:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/?page_id=144"},"modified":"2026-02-23T22:52:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T06:52:31","slug":"japan-spring-2023","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/home\/japan-spring-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"WCCCSA Program – Japan Fall 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is a WCCCSA program. For how to start the application, please refer to “How to Apply” page. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program dates<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sep 24 – Dec 3, 202<\/strong>6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application Timeline<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Apply by May 29, 202<\/strong>6<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Payment due: June 18, 202<\/strong>6<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Virtual Info Session<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    TBD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Program Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Be part of a cohort group of 21 students from Green River College and other Colleges to live and study in Japan in this 10-week study abroad program. Earn 15 Green River transfer credits in Japanese Language, Creative Writing and Writing Humanities classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Washington Community College faculty member will lead the group and teach the curriculum along with local Japanese faculty members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan offers a rich environment of arts, culture and history where centuries-old traditions exist in contrast with ultra-modern life-styles. You will be based in the small city of Miyazaki, located on Kyushu island, and be hosted by Miyazaki Municipal University. Your faculty leader will also lead two multi-day academic trips in Tokyo and in Kyoto. These trips are included in the program fee.  \u00a0Students must carry a 15-credit load<\/strong>\u00a0and are expected to fully participate in all class activities. The courses offered are specially chosen to give participants interesting, valuable and relevant instruction that exposes students to the historical\u00a0and cultural differences that are unique to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Note: <\/strong>Since a Japanese language and culture course is being offered in this program, it is required for the you to memorize the Hiragana and Katagana alphabet before your trip!<\/strong> Having a foundational knowledge of the alphabet and the language will help you feel more comfortable navigating the class and will greatly enhance your cultural immersion experience. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    COURSE DESCRIPTIONS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese and culture Class (Various levels)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A 5-cr Japanese Language and culture course are offered in various levels (basic-intermediate). Students will take a placement test to determine their language level and placement. It is required to learn the Hiragana and the Katakana alphabets before your trip.\u00a0These\u00a0classes will be taught by a Miyazaji Municipal University faculty member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Creative Writing: Writing Miyazaki <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    5 English Credits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This creative nonfiction course guides students through a structured progression of observation, belonging, and persuasion while studying abroad in Miyazaki, Japan. Drawing on Japanese aesthetic and rhetorical traditions such as y\u016bgen<\/em>, wabi-sabi<\/em>, and kish\u014dtenketsu<\/em>, students begin with ekphrastic writing focused on careful observation and sensory detail, then move to community-based profile essays that emphasize ethical engagement and lived experience. The course culminates in a personal argument about the value of studying abroad, shaped by a non-Western narrative structure that allows insight to emerge organically. Throughout the term, students integrate reading, research, and revision while developing writing that prioritizes attentiveness, humility, and meaningful connection to place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Writing Humanities <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    5 English Credits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Art Appreciation in Japan” offers an immersive exploration into Japanese art, aimed at students with an interest in understanding how art reflects and influences culture and society. The course covers a wide range of artistic mediums and periods, emphasizing the historical context, thematic elements, and techniques employed by Japanese artists. Students will learn to appreciate the aesthetic principles that underlie Japanese art, from the simplicity and elegance of wabi-sabi to the vibrant and dynamic forms of contemporary anime and manga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    FACULTY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Todd Johnson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    English Faculty – Green River College<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Todd Johnson is a college English instructor with more than twenty years of experience teaching writing, reading, literature, and creative writing in community college and university settings. Since 2002, he has taught primarily at Green River College in Auburn, Washington, where he has led courses such as Composition Skills, Writing Skills, College Writing, and Writing in the Humanities, with an emphasis on online instruction. He has also taught at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, Central Texas College, Missoula College, and Muckleshoot Tribal College, working with diverse and Indigenous student populations. An active writer, Mr. Johnson has published poetry and reviews in regional journals and holds an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Montana. His interest in Japanese culture began in high school and college through the study of karate.  His interests also include Japanese literature, Japanese film, and the cultural connections between Japan and the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where You’ll be Studying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While in Japan, the group will be hosted by Miyazaki Municipal University (MMU), located in the vibrant city of Miyazaki. This university campus specializes in offering comprehensive education in various fields, particularly engineering and architecture, catering to the needs of first and second-year students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Miyazaki city is renowned for its academic atmosphere and it’s surrounded by picturesque landscapes.  Miyazaki city boasts a stunning natural setting, bordered by mountains and offering breathtaking views. Situated in the southern part of Japan, Miyazaki city provides a unique cultural experience distinct from urban centers, yet remains easily accessible by various modes of transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Explore Miyazaki Municipal University’s campus through their promotional materials and gain insight into student life in Miyazaki by following social media hashtags such as #MiyazakiMunicipalUniversity and #Miyazakivisit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Accommodations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While at MMU, students will be accommodated in shared apartments contracted by the university. These are small Japanese-style lodgings with futons, a kitchenette and bathroom. Students will generally share an apartment with other students in the group. Housing accommodations are subject to change depending on availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At Miyazaki Municipal University, students have various food options on campus and in Miyazaki city. On campus, there are diverse dining choices, including traditional Japanese and international cuisine. Miyazaki city offers affordable food options such as pizza parlors and French-style bakeries. Local noodle shops serve delicious dishes like tempura, sushi, and bento boxes at reasonable prices, allowing students to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors without overspending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The program includes cultural activities and several organized field trips which may include: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Excursions in Aya-town, Nichinan-city,\u00a0 Takachiho Gorge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sado (Tea Ceremony).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Karate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Taiko Drum Lesson<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Experience Japan Homestay (Takachiho-town)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Japanese Calligraphy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • High School for exchange activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Festivals, sporting events (Karate, body board), and opportunities to engage with local students.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • TeamLab Planets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Tokyo Photo Art Museum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Tokyo National Museum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Tokyo Municipal Tower<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Activities subject\u00a0to change<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Additional Optional Activities:<\/strong> Other field trips are optional and may require an additional fee. There will also be plenty of opportunity to do your own exploring using convenient public transport or tour specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Program Fee:\u00a0$8,000<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Program cost includes roundtrip airfare and transfers to\/from Miyazaki airport, and trips to Tokyo and  Kyoto from Miyazaki.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A $450<\/strong> (non-refundable)<\/strong> deposit is required to be paid within 2 weeks of your acceptance to hold your place in the program.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Included<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Round-trip group airfare on program dates Seattle-Miyazaki-Seattle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Group transfers to\/from Miyazaki airport<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Round-trip group airfare on program dates from Miyazaki-Tokyo-Osaka-Miyazaki<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Student housing accommodations while at Miyazaki Municipal University<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Arrival and farewell parties<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Some cultural activities and excursions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Some local transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Pre-departure and arrival orientations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Student basic medical insurance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Not Included<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • College tuition and books<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Passport and visa fees (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Curriculum activities admissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Personal and entertainment expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Independent travel and expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • US and Japanese airport fees and taxes (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Anything not specified as included in the program<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Pre-departure orientation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Date<\/strong>: TBD<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Time<\/strong>: 10am-2pm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Location<\/strong>: Green River College, Auburn WA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            \u65e5\u672c\u3078\u3088\u3046\u3053\u305d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":183,"featured_media":156,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-144","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/144","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/183"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/144\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2092,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/144\/revisions\/2092"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/156"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}