About  Program

The Summer Ambassador Program to Japan will permit undergraduate students to enroll in Summer term C course SW 272 “Cultural Competency in a Diverse World”. Graduate students can enroll for independent credit. The central component of the class will be the 3 weeks spent in Japan and will also include class meetings and readings before and after the Japan immersion. Class members will visit cultural sites in Japan and will also have the opportunity to engage in Japanese culture through home stays and traditional Japanese customs. Students will visit many cities in Japan in order to gain a better understanding of Japanese culture and politics.

Academic Credit

Students will enroll in the four credit-hour course, SW 272 “Cultural Competency in a Diverse World” or arrange to take the course as a four credit-hour Independent Study following the guidelines of the College of Liberal Arts. The main objective of SW 272 is to help students understand theories, values, and skills that prepare them to become culturally competent members of their communities which include, family, local/ state/ federal/ international governments, religious and secular organizations and international networks. The Japanese Immersion section of this course taught through the Japanese Ambassador program will apply the course material specifically to the sites visited in Japan. The students will be required to keep detailed logs of their everyday perceptions of Japanese culture before, during, and after this international education experience. The students will apply the course content specifically to cross cultural texts that provide knowledge related to the visited sites. SW 272 meets a General Education Area 6 requirement and is open to all students. There are no prerequisites to this course.

Japan

Japan is a country with a rich history that has influenced all aspects of the culture today. The country balances modern technology with time honored traditions and is a treasure chest for those who enjoy the feel of a bustling city but also have a special love for nature. In Japan’s big cities, like Tokyo and Kyoto, there are skyscrapers next to traditional shrines, as well as breathtaking natural scenery and traditional Japanese inns.
 

Travel Plans

Student participants will spend nearly a month in Japan, visiting cities like Kyoto, Okayma, Tamano, Takahashi City, Hiroshima, and Nobeoka. While in Japan, students will have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture through sightseeing, a martial arts demonstration, museum visits and much more. Participants will be given guided tours of ancient Japanese castles, will take part in a traditional tea ceremony, and will visit a Japanese public bath.

The Elenore Koch International Award

Wright State University students participating in the Ambassador Program to Japan have the opportunity to apply for the Koch International Award, which has been established particularly for this program. Based upon academic performance, this scholarship will provide 3 (three) $300 rewards for selected participants in this program. Recipients will be chosen by the Ambassador Program Sub-Committee through the University Center for International Education and this award may be used in conjunction with any other applicable financial aid.

 

Orientation

Students must attend a mandatory information session before traveling to Japan. The purpose of this session will be to prepare students for Japanese culture, history, and society. The University Center for International Education will offer a pre-departure orientation during spring quarter.
 

Meals and Accommodations

While in Japan, students will experience housing through hotels and home stays with Japanese families. One or two meals per day are included in the cost. Students will have many opportunities to explore the authentic regional cuisines of Okayama and Tokyo prefectures.
 

Cost and Enrollment Deadlines

The approximate cost of the program will be $2950.00. This includes round-trip airfare from Dayton, housing, one or two meals per day, travel within Japan, and health and accident insurance. Not included are passport application costs, tuition, souvenirs, personal expenses, activities on free days and evenings, and some meals.
A 2.5 GPA is required of all participants. A non-refundable application fee of $50 and a refundable deposit of $250 are due at the time of application. All persons applying must submit an application by January 11, 2008. All fees are due by April 7, 2008. Wright State University financial aid is applicable to this program.

Download application form

The Elenore Koch International Award

Wright State University students participating in the Ambassador Program to Japan have the opportunity to apply for the Koch International Award, which has been established particularly for this program. Based upon academic performance, this scholarship will provide 3 (three) $300 rewards for selected participants in this program. Recipients will be chosen by the Ambassador Program Sub-Committee through the University Center for International Education and this award may be used in conjunction with any other applicable financial aid.
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About the Professors

Carl Brun, PhD, is a Professor and Chair of Social Work. He has taught at Wright State University for 14 years. He developed the SW 272 course for the General Education Area 6 component and has taught the course for over 5 years. He has presented his research related to social services delivery systems in international settings in England and Finland, Dr. Brun is the Chair of the College of Liberal Arts Diversity Advocacy Committee and is the facilitator for the WSU Dialogues on Race Relations. He is a long time advocate for encouraging students to expand their knowledge and experiences with persons from cultures other than their own.

Okayama University of Science (OUS)

In 1979, Wright State University signed an agreement with OUS, which is managed by the Kake Group. The Kake Group is a private, not for profit organization that manages a collection of universities and community centers. The partnership between OUS and WSU is the longest standing in WSU history. For over twenty years, students and faculty have enjoyed academic exchange between the two institutions as part of the Ambassador program. Currently, U.S. students have the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange study program in Japan. In the Cultural Study program, students and faculty have the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and experience Japanese culture while studying the contrasting political climates between the U.S. and Japan.

*Proposed dates, subject to change

Check Former Ambassador Programs