Re-Inventing Japan: University Stimulation of Local Economies in Japan and the US

New International Summer Opportunity for Students!

Re-Inventing Japan:  University Stimulation of Local Economies in Japan and the US

June 22 – July 17, 2015
Eugene, Oregon and Akita, Japan

 

Akita Mountain VillageOverview

In this collaborative, intercultural program, an elite group of UO students will team up with select students from Akita International University (AIU) in Japan for 4 weeks (2 weeks in Oregon and 2 weeks in Japan) to explore the history, development, present status, and future of local contributions of universities in Akita and Oregon to local economies.  Students will participate in lectures, field research, and analysis in Oregon and Japan, culminating in a formal, public presentation based on their comparative study.  For program information and to see a detailed course syllabus please follow this link.

This program is ideal for undergraduate or graduate students interested in Business, Economics, Political Science, Asian Studies, or International Studies.  While there are no prerequisites, students must have strong analytical and research skills.  Knowledge of Japan and Japanese language is helpful, but not required.

The program will be led by two faculty members, Tetsuya Toyoda from Akita International University (International Law) and Jeff Stolle from the University of Oregon (Management), and will be managed by the UO’s Center for Asian and Pacific Studies.

 

Highlights:

  • Akita International University (AIU: Kokusai Kyoyo Daigaku in Japanese) is a small, English-speaking, liberal arts college founded in 2004.  Because of its highly globalized curriculum, it attracts competitive students from all over Japan.
  • Funded by the Japan Ministry of Education and Akita International University, students from Akita International University and the University of Oregon will work on international teams on an interdisciplinary topic.  It will give them hands-on experience working in an international setting, both in Oregon and in Japan.
  • Students will gain valuable skills in international teamwork, research, and presentations through an intensive research project.
  • The Oregon session will include a two-day trip to Portland for business and government visits.

 

Location

The Oregon portion will be held on the UO campus from June 22 – July 4.  There will be a two-day trip to Portland on June 25-26. The Japan portion will be held in Akita, Japan, from July 5 – July 17.

Akita is the capital city of Akita Prefecture, located in the Tōhoku region of Japan.  It takes about one hour by airplane or four hours by train to get to Akita from Tokyo.  The local economy is principally agricultural, including fishing, forestry and rice farming.  It is famous for its sake and has hundreds of hot springs (onsen).

 

Registration and Credits

Students participating in this program will be registered and will receive 4 credits from Akita International University.

 

Application Process:

To be considered, all applications need to submit the following:

  1. An application form, found here:  AIU-UO Program Application
  2. UO Transcripts
  3. The names and phone numbers of three references

Please bring in a hardcopy of the application to the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, located in 110 Gerlinger Hall. Applications will be accepted until 5 pm on March 2, 2015.

 

Eligibility Requirements

This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students across majors and fields at the UO as well as other universities. To be eligible, students must have by departure:

  • an overall GPA of 3.3 or above
  • completed at least 45 credits (freshman year complete)
  • no Japanese language required, though knowledge of Japan and/or Japanese is preferred

Students must also make satisfactory academic progress throughout the application process and otherwise comply with policies and procedures of the host university and the University of Oregon.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, please contact Lori O’Hollaren before applying.

 

Selection and Participation

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, and be prepared academically and socially to succeed in an intensive, international and intercultural program.  Participants must satisfactorily complete the following:

  • well-written program application
  • interview process for finalists (week of March 9th)
  • timely submission of required paperwork
  • attendance at pre-departure orientation sessions
  • payment of program fees

Program participants must also demonstrate the ability to be successful overseas through evidence of maturity, motivation, and flexibility, and such other characteristics as the selection committee deems relevant.

 

Program Details

Summer 2015: June 22 to July 17, 2015

 

Accommodations

While in Eugene, no accommodations will be provided to UO students.  When in Japan, local housing will be provided on the AIU campus.  Students are responsible for their own meals (approximately $200 for 2 weeks in Japan).  The program will cover the 2 nights in Portland on June 25-26 for a field trip.

 

Financial Information

The program will cover the following expenses:

  • Round-trip airfare to Japan
  • AIU tuition and fees
  • Shared hotel accommodations in Portland, Oregon for two nights

 

UO students are required to cover:

  • A $1500 Program Fee*
  • Lodging and meals while in Eugene
  • Books and materials (approximately $50)
  • Meals while in Japan (approximately $200)
  • Personal expenses

*Scholarships of up to $500 will be available.  Please see application for details.

 

Further Information

Lori O’Hollaren, 110 Gerlinger Hall, 541-346-1521, loholl@uoregon.edu

Jeff Stolle, 428 Lillis Hall, 541-684-3800, jstolle@uoregon.edu