This program is located near the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The city of Hikone traces its origins to the early 17th century, when a cluster of Samurai residences and commercial establishments grew up at the foot of the castle of the local lord. Today, Hikone possesses a rich combination of traditional and modern Japan with its architecture and small town atmosphere supported by a progressive government and thriving economy. Hikone lies on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, the country's largest lake and has a population of about 100,000. Distinct seasons and rich natural surroundings give Hikone an appealing year-round beauty. While serving as a center of industry and transportation, the city also attracts visitors from around Japan and overseas. Hikone Castle, standing in elegant profile against Lake Biwa, is both the city's symbol and its main attraction.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges are an affiliate member of the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Hikone, Japan, which offers a program in contemporary Japanese language and culture every fall semester. The JCMU complex, located on Lake Biwa, includes classrooms, a library, state of the art language labs, and a traditional Japanese tea room.
Students will receive four credits for the following courses:
Intensive Japanese Language (3 credits)
This course will be offered at four different levels; the appropriate
level for each student will be determined by a placement exam
administered at the beginning of the program.
Japanese Culture and Society (1 credit)
With permission, students may be allowed to substitute another
elective (if available) or may pursue an independent study project in
place of this course.
For more information about courses and the program, please contact
Professor Holland in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures
or visit the JCMU Web site.
This program is suited for students with a major or minor in Asian Languages and Cultures or those who desire to improve their Japanese language skills.
The program is open only to HWS seniors who have a keen interest in Japan and who are in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In addition, applicants are required to have one year of college-level Japanese or the equivalent. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
Participants will spend the first few weeks of the program housed in a JCMU dormitory, after which they will be placed with host families in the Hikone area as arranged by the local housing coordinator. The cost of commuting is included in the program fee although many students will be able to walk or bicycle to the JCMU complex from their homestay location. While in the dormitory, students will be responsible for their own meals. Host families will provide two meals per day during the week and full board on the weekends. Please see "Going Abroad with the CGE" below for more detail on the board plan.
The calendar of JCMU is designed to allow students ample opportunity for independent travel in Japan both during and after the academic term. Many local or regional trips are also possible. Hikone is a 45-90 minute train trip from the large, cosmopolitan cities of Kyoto, Nagoya and Osaka.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and room fees, a $500 administrative fee, and a 1/2 board fee. This will cover credit for a four-course semester, class-related excursions, room and meals during the homestay as described above. Students should plan to bring half of their board with them (approximately $1200) to cover meals not included. Additional expenses not covered include airfare, books and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $1,100-$1,200 from the East Coast and books at $200. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1,500 above and beyond meal expenses. However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
NOTE: The information contained in this brochure is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
