Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Japan on a three-week summer language and culture immersion. Examine Japan's traditional and modern cultural values while visiting major landmarks in and around Kyoto. Visit temples, castles, shrines and gardens. Participate in a tea ceremony, ikebana and wagashi making demonstration. Observe traditional theaters and cultural practices while visiting Osaka, Kobe, Shiga, and Nara. Students are expected to use their Japanese language skills to communicate while in Japan.
Students register in either JAPAN-2251 (Advanced Conversation and Composition I) or JAPAN-2252 (Advanced Conversation and Composition II), plus JAPAN 1100 (Culture and Civilization of Japan.) Students should have completed one Japanese language course prior to departure. (Summer 2025, 6 credit hours.)
- Program Dates: Friday, June 12 to Sunday, July 5
- Fee: $5,252 includes round trip airfare from Chicago, most transportation in Japan, lodging with some meals, excursions and entrance fees. Tuition (3 credits) is extra.
- Passport Information: If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires within six months of the program dates, you MUST apply for a passport or renew your passport immediately. Passports can take up to four months to obtain. Do not wait until you are accepted into the program.
For more information, contact Shingo Satsutani or fssa@cod.edu.
Travel Details
A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held at College of DuPage. This typically occurs on a Saturday in May.
All non-COD students are advised to verify course enrollment/credit with their home school before enrolling in the program.
Language Classes
All students are required to enroll in a Japanese language class, held at a our language school in Japan. Classes will accommodate students at Elementary Japanese II, Intermediate Japanese I and II and Advanced Japanese. Prior to the first class, all students will be assessed and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs.
Civilization and Culture of Japan
All students are required to enroll in this class. The course of study covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the arts of Japan. The first class meets at the mandatory orientation session. In Japan the course will continue with lectured field trips, visits to museums and directed independent projects involving interaction with the Japanese people and culture. session. Field Trips are an integral component of this class and therefore attendance is mandatory. All students required to keep a journal provided in the first class.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive credit in one Japanese course (3-4 credits, level based on placement), and Japanese 1100 (Civilization and Culture of Japan, 3 credits).
The goal of the program is to make textbook language come alive. The whole community serves as a giant classroom for the students. Students will attend Japanese language classes from 9:15am until 12:45pm Monday through Friday.
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program.
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program
The program cost includes: round trip airfare from Chicago to Japan, ground transportation in Japan, admissions and excursions as listed, course materials, room and board.
Not included in the program cost: tuition for 6-7 credit hours, passport fees, visa fees (if not a US citizen) optional excursions, personal expenses, some meals, telephone calls, checked baggage fee.
Program fees may be subject to change due to increased costs of transportation or currency fluctuations that are beyond the control of the College.
We welcome students beyond the application deadline, space permitting. Additional charges may apply.
Money Matters
We recommend at least $250 per week for spending money (lunches, incidentals, museum visits, temple visits, theaters, plus more for optional trips). VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted in Japan. It would be a good idea to take one of these with you. There are automatic teller machines in Japan which accept ATM/Debit cards.
Late Applicants
We welcome students beyond the application deadline, space permitting. Additional charges may apply.
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. As passports can take substantial time to obtain, apply for it as soon as possible. Information can be obtained at travel.state.gov/passport
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan. Non-U.S. citizens may need a visa.
Insurance
COD provides emergency medical insurance for all study abroad programs. Students in need of medical assistance should contact the faculty director.
Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Participants in all Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad programs must complete the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form.
All language classes will be taught by faculty members at the language school in Japan. The Culture and Civilization of Japan class will be taught by a College of DuPage faculty member who will also be in residence in Kyoto to counsel, supervise and assist students.
Director
Shingo Satsutani is a Professor of Asian Languages at College of DuPage. A native of Kyoto, Japan, he holds a B.A. in Western Philosophy and a B. Eng. in Civil Engineering from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto; M.A. in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University, New Jersey. His further academic training was extended to the Doctoral Studies in Language, Literacy and Learning at Fordham University, New York. He has taught at Miami University of Ohio prior to coming to COD in 1994. Professor Satsutani has led academic travels and international field studies in various places in Japan more than thirty times, including the College of DuPage Summer Study Abroad Program in Kyoto, Japan. He's been an active leader in ICTFL (Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and IATJ (Illinois Association of Teachers of Japanese, President) and works with Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) and Consulate General of Japan in Chicago as an advisor for Japanese language related matters such as Business Japanese seminar and an annual Japanese Speech Contest. As a board member of the National Council of the Japanese Language Teachers (2003-2006) he served as their president from 2004-2005. He's been assisting the business matters of the Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) since 2003 for high school Japanese programs. In 2008, he won the National Award for teacher of the year in the United States. His latest keen interest is the Japanese education for the heritage speakers as well as bridging every level of K-16 Japanese education. In addition to his academic interests, Professor Satsutani enjoys ice skating with his kids and playing with his dog.
In the event that the participant withdraws from the program, the right to a refund is limited.
All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:
College of DuPage Field and Interdisciplinary Studies/Study Abroad
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599