A student's Experience: Hiratsuka, Japan
The Freeman-Asia scholarship enabled me to participate in the opportunity of a lifetime. By living in Hiratsuka, Japan for five weeks, I expanded my geographical knowledge of the main island of Japan, as well as experiencing the everyday life in a rural Japanese area. While attending Kanagawa University, I learned that the Japanese students had many of the same interests as myself, as we shared cultural, religious, and educational values with one another. The city arranged a homestay with a Hiratsuka family for a short period, which allowed me to observe the living habits of a modern Japanese family, while being part of several traditions. I traveled with my host family to many tourist locations, including Halzone, one of Japan's many hot springs, and the beautiful Nagano Prefecture. The class took many educational field trips to various temples and landmarks as well. We ventured to Kama Kura to view the Great Buddha, Enoshima Island, the Kirin Beer Factory, the Yokohama Nissan Plant, and Kyoto, the historical capital of Japan. We also had the privilege of visiting the Japanese Diet, meeting with the Hiratsuka mayor, learning the strict living habits of a Zen Temple in Kyoto, and attending a Kabuki Theatre. There were many welcoming parties, as we visited a local high school, and played games with elementary school children while learning traditional Japanese dances. As a Business major, I learned a great deal about the Japanese economy, being similar to our own, while increasing my knowledge of the Japanese culture and people during my stay in Hiratsuka. I will always cherish the memories of the polite, welcoming people, the beautiful scenery, and the life-long experiences I gained while in Japan.
Trisha Morris
AYear's Worth of Sushi: Study Abroad at Sophia University, Japan
In 1549 foreign missionaries from Europe entered Japan's port city and capital bent on extending Catholicism and Western thought to the Japanese. Their efforts remain grounded in one of Tokyo's oldest districts which houses Sophia University.Now the mere mention of its name receives a chorus of 'oohs' and 'aahs' from any bystanders. People revere the college for its excellence in language study,which includes a faculty of courses from business to literature all taught in English.
Though Sophia's study body measures about half that of KU, its global representation is fourfold. On the first day of classes last fall I joined students from Romania, Chile, Cambodia and a wealth of others. The degree of Japanese ability ranged from native to nonexistent but this helped us all to
strengthen our skill. Much of the staff came from foreign nations as well but stressed Japanese culture throughout their lessons in creative ways. My Japanese archeology course sent me to a live excavation where I viewed recently exhumed ancient human bones. While learning the tenants of Buddhism, I interviewed and reported on a Buddhist priest who managed a temple for high-class burials. And my Japanese
literature class led me to different areas of Tokyo where I could retrace the steps
Stephanie Schumm visits the Tanabata Festival in Hiratsu Japan, Japan with Mai and Emiko Shimgo.
of my favorite characters.
Study at Tokyo's Sophia University brings a new perspective and the lively atmosphere keeps your feet moving bringing an adventure a day. Between hitting the karaoke bars, backpacking neighborng Asian countries, indulging in all you-can-eat sushi and taking up karate, you may even find time to study.
Stephanie Schumm
Asian Scholarship Opportunity
Have your ever thought about studying in Asia? The Office of Study Abroad is pleased to announce a new scholarship which helps students achieve their study abroad dream in Asia. The Institute of International Education (IIE), with generous support by the Freeman Foundation, has created the new Freeman Award for Study in Asia scholarship.
The scholarship is designed to encourage more undergraduate U.S. citizens and permanent residents to study in East and Southeast Asia.IEE reports that currently only 5% of U.S. students studying abroad do so in East or Southeast Asia.In the past there have been few funding opportunities for study abroad in Asia but through the Freeman Awards for Study In Asia (Freeman-ASIA), IIE hopes to help fill this gap.
The scholarship was first awarded in Summer 2001 and already numerous KU students have won the scholarship. Seven KU students won the $3,000 summer Freeman scholarship and five KU students received the fall or academic year scholarship ($5,000 or $7,000).
- show proof of financial aid or a verifiable need for financial assistance in order to complete a study abroad program in Asia
Criteria for the scholarship:
· be a US citizen or permanent resident
- priority will be given to students with no previous experience in the country in which they plan to study
- attend several promotional functions at KU after they return
- write a brief report about the study abroad experience to IIE after they return
Awardees will be expected to share their experiences with their home campus to encourage study abroad by others, and to spread understanding of Asia in their home communities.
Interested in studying abroad in Asia but don't know where?
Trisha Morris and Molly Dardis visit the Daibutsu Statue in Kanakura, Japan.
Here are few options: The Office of Study Abroad suggests the University of Hong Kong (HKU) exchange for a semester or year if you are interested in studying in Asia but do not know a foreign language. The university offers a variety of academic subjects in English. The exchange is very affordable option with tuition for the semester costing only $2,930. (see James Leonard's article about his experience at HKU)
Another great option is KU's Summer Institute in Hiratsuka Japan. The Institute is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. There is no language requirement. Students can study Japanese language and contemporary society (see Freeman scholarship winner Trisha Morris' article about her experience on the program).
Students can also attend a student initiated program (SIP)
through other universities in Asia. See Freeman scholarship winner, Bonita Hanni's article about her SIP program in Japan.
To find out about other study abroad options in Asia and learn more about the Freeman scholarship, schedule an appointment today with study abroad coordinator Renee Bergene at 864-3742 or visit the comprehensive FreemanASIA web site: http://www.iie.org/pgms/FreemanASIA. Application deadlines for spring semester are October 15th. Applicants will require university approval in order to apply for the scholarship.
Jayhawks Abroad