Study Abroad in Osaka, Japan for Winter 2025

Application window is now closed. Thank you so much for your overwhelming interest in this program. Please check back in 2026 for a furture opportunity in Japan.

Note

Take a Mt SAC class in Japan!

The Winter 2025 Osaka program offers participants the opportunity to take a 3-unit course taught by a Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) faculty member over a four-week period in Osaka, Japan. The program in Japan runs from January 19 to February 15, 2025 (January 6 to January 18, 2025 asynchronously online), allowing students to immerse themselves in the local culture while earning academic credit. Please see the eligibility requirements before you apply.

- About Osaka, Japan
  
  Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan's main island. It lies along the southern coast of Osaka Bay, to the west of Kyoto and Nara, and northeast of Kobe. The city is situated in the center of Japan's second-largest metropolitan area, known as the Keihanshin region, which includes Kyoto and Kobe.
  
  It is a vibrant city known for its rich history, modern architecture, and delicious cuisine. As Japan's third-largest city, it offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. Visitors can explore historical sites like Osaka Castle, enjoy the bustling nightlife in the Dotonbori area, and indulge in famous local dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
  
  Osaka is also known for its friendly atmosphere and is a gateway to other cultural landmarks in the Kansai region, including Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. With its efficient transportation system, Osaka is an excellent base for exploring both urban attractions and the scenic beauty of nearby areas.
- Program Dates
  
  Important Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own flights and must meet at Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX). Airfare is not included in the program fee. Mt SAC faculty members do not accompany students on their flights.
  
  Asynchronously online via Canvas course
  January 6 to January 18, 2025
  
  Arrival in Osaka (KIX) airport
  Sunday, Jan 19, 2025
  Transportation from the airport to Osaka accommodations via coach bus is provided.
  
  Mt SAC Class & Cultural activities
  - Student take one 3-unit course taught by a Mt SAC faculty member from Monday through Friday. A typical class day is from 9:00am to early afternoon.
  - Four organized cultural activities in Osaka on Friday for all students, with local university student buddies.
  - One organized Saturday trip to Kyoto: Arashiyama, Toei Studios, and Gion Show.
  
  Departure from Osaka (KIX) airport
  Saturday, Feb 15, 2025
  Airport transportation via coach bus is provided. However, students are responsible for arranging their return flights to the U.S., as Mt. SAC faculty members do not accompany them on the flights.
- Applicant Eligibility
  Applicants must have the following:
  - 18 years or older by departure date
  - Maintain a 2.0 cumulative Mt. SAC GPA
  - Currently enrolled at Mt. SAC for a minimum of 4 credit units
  - Completed a minimum of 6 credit units at Mt. SAC at time of application
  - Completed or currently enrolled in ENGL 1A, or equivalent (for LING 3)
  - Completed or currently enrolled in JAPN 2 (for JAPN 53)
  - No disciplinary record with the College
  - No current holds on record with the College
- Application Steps and Program Deadlines
  Application steps
  1. Attend one of the information meetings (not required but highly recommended).
  2. Attend one of the scholarship workshops (not required but highly recommended).
  3. Complete the application form (Due October 10, 2024).
  4. After review of applications, selected students must pay a $500 deposit to secure their spot in the program (The acceptance notice will be emailed in mid-October).
  The study abroad specialist will contact you in mid-October when your application is accepted. For questions, contact Ramiro Pinedo at rpinedo2@mtsac.edu (Bldg. 26A-1610).
  
  Program Deadlines
  1. October 10, 2024: Application due
  2. October 18, 2024: $500 deposit due
    *The link to pay the deposit will be sent to accepted students.
  3. October 28, 2024: Online registration form due
    *The link to the online registration will be sent to accepted students.
  4. November 15, 2024: First installment due
    ($1375 or $1575 depending on the enrollment number)
  5. December 16, 2024: Second installment due
    ($1375 or $1575 depending on the enrollment number)
  6. December 16, 2024: Mandatory pre-departure meeting
- Faculty and Courses
  
  Faculty
  Professor Keiko Tsurumi (JAPN 53)
  Originally from Saitama, Japan, she has been teaching at Mt. SAC since 2017. Outside the classroom, she enjoys karaoke, practicing yoga, and embracing her love for cats. She spends many weekends exploring exciting restaurants across Los Angeles and attending music concerts. The shows she went this past year include Yoasobi, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey.
  
  Professor Don Lee (LING 3)
  Professor Don Lee, born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in the South Bay, is a long-time resident of Los Angeles. He enjoys cooking, savoring good coffee, and exploring new destinations. His travels have taken him around the world, including to unique places like Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Uzbekistan.
  
  Courses
  Participating students will take one 3-unit course.
  LING 3: For students with no prior experience in Japanese.
  JAPN 53: For students who have taken JAPN2 or equivalent.
  
  LING 3  Languages, Cultures, and Writing in East Asia
  
  3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
  Lecture: 54
  
  Comparison of East Asian languages and scripts from a cross-cultural and historical perspective. It explores the impact of politics, belief systems, social movements, globalization, and technology on the written languages of East Asia. Class conducted in English.
  
  JAPN 53  Conversational Japanese
  
  3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
  (May be taken for option of letter grade or Pass/No Pass)
  Lecture: 54
  Prerequisite: JAPN 2 or equivalent
  
  Development of intermediate Japanese conversational skills. Emphasis on collaborative activities and practical use of the language. Extensive exposure to Japanese culture. Grammar is presented in context.
- Fees
  Program fee (per person)
  $3,250 - 25-30 enrolled students
  OR
  $3,650 - 15-24 enrolled students
  
  This fee excludes airfare, passport or visa fees, meals other than those included in the program, personal expenses, any Mt SAC tuition, textbook fees or administrative fees.
  - Visas are not required for US citizens for programs shorter than 90 days
  - Students who are not US citizens are responsible for securing their visa and understanding the application process.
- Included in the Program
  Transportation
  - Organized group airport pick up from Osaka International Airport (KIX) on arrival day via coach bus, taking the group directly to housing
  - Organized group airport drop off at Osaka International Airport (KIX) on departure day via coach bus
  - Public transportation pass in Osaka for each participant pre-loaded with transit fare for organized activities and classroom commutes
  Housing & Meals
  - Shared student apartments in Osaka (27 nights)
  - One to two Mt. SAC students per apartment unit, about a 30-40 minute commute to classroom space.
  - Units include at least one shared full bathroom, a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies, and small common/study space
  - Internet provided in accommodations
  - Group meals: Welcome dinner, Farewell dinner, Group meals or lunch stipends during excursions in Kyoto, and Group lunch meet & greet with local buddies
  Activities & Excursions
  - Four organized cultural activities in Osaka for all students, with local university student buddies
  - One Saturday day trip to Kyoto (planned on Feb 8, 2025)
  - All entrance and transportation fees for program-sponsored activities
  Health, Safety & Insurance
  - Extensive orientation to health & safety guidelines and procedures upon arrival by the partner agency
  - 24 hour local emergency support
  - ET GeoBlue insurance coverage for each participant
- Refund Policy
  
  All cancellations by a student after acceptance into the Program must be made in writing to Ramiro Pinedo at rpinedo2@mtsac.edu.
  
  Before November 15, 2024: No cancellation fee, except non-recoverable costs (e.g. housing cancellation)
  November 15, 2024 through December 16, 2024: the cancellation fee is $500 plus all non-recoverable costs
  December 17, 2024 through January 10, 2025: the cancellation fee is 50% of the program fee or the total amount of non-recoverable costs, whichever is higher.
  January 11, 2025 and after the program start: the cancellation fee is 100% of the program fee or or the total amount of non-recoverable costs, whichever is higher.
- Information Meetings
  
  In-person meeting
  
  Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 5pm (Building 77 Room 1040)
  Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 10am (Language Learning Center: Building 77 Room 1005)
  Monday, October 7, 2024 at 3pm (Building 26A Room 2620)
  
  Zoom meeting
  
  Monday, September 30, 2024 at 7pm
  Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 8:30am
  Friday, October 4, 2024 at 12pm
  
  Click here for Zoom link
- Scholarship Information and Workshops
  Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Workshop
  
  https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
  - September 16 at 10am (26A-3891)
  - September 17 at 10am via Zoom
  - September 23 at 1pm (26A-1811)
  - September 24 at 1pm via Zoom
  - October 2 at 10am (26A-3891)
  Click here for Zoom link
- Contact
  
  Mt SAC Study Abroad Office
  https://www.mtsac.edu/studyabroad/
  
  Ramiro Pinedo
  rpinedo2@mtsac.edu
  26A-1610
  909-274-4534