May Short Course Program

The May Short Program is an opportunity for students interested in study abroad, to get a taste of life in Japan while earning college credit. Since it began in 1999, the May Short Program has welcomed a number of students from a variety of majors, ages, and backgrounds. No Japanese language is required. Contact the JCMU office at Michigan State University or review the JCMU web site for details.

May 2008 Program Offerings:

  • Digital Photography in Japan [3 credits] - Don Werthmann, Washtenaw Community College Note: Basic camera, computer, and digital imaging
    software skills are required. A digital SLR camera and a laptop computer
    are required.
May 2008 Schedule
May 7 Arrival / Move-in day
May 8 Orientation / Classes start
May 20 Classes end
May 21 Move-out / Departure

 

MSU Buisness students are additionally eligible to take:

  • Introduction to Supply Chain Management [3 credits] - Anthony Ross, Michigan State University (NOTE: A portion of this MSU Study Abroad course will be hosted by JCMU. Applicants must complete a MSU Study Abroad application. These applications are reviewed by the faculty leader. The program fee, travel arrangements, and dates are different than a standard JCMU May Short Course. For more details visit the MSU OSA Website or Contact Anthonoy Ross).

Housing

Students will live in the JCMU apartments. Student apartments are designed for double occupancy, each with a private bedroom/study and shared kitchen and bathroom. Each apartment is separately metered for utilities, including telephones. The residential building also contains a new computer lab, laundry, television room, weight room, and lounge. It is part of a larger JCMU complex including an academic building and a traditional Japanese garden overlooking Lake Biwa. The spacious academic building houses classrooms, a library, language labs, a traditional tatami room, a public restaurant, and offices.

Fees & Expenses

The program fee for the two week May Short Program is $1800*, and includes: tuition, course packets, health insurance, rent, and utility costs.

All students participating in the Digital Photography in Japan course will be charged an additional fee for a Japan Rail Pass: two week pass - $410.00

All fees are to be paid in full before departure. The Program Fee is not refundable. Students contemplating stays beyond 90 days will need to notify the East Lansing office and submit all documents needed for the visa process by March 1 (see the application instructions for details).

Round-trip airfare is estimated at $1100, and students must arrange their own transportation, however the JCMU Program Office will recommend traveling together on a particular flight. Flight arrangements should be made to coincide with the program schedule. Additional out-of-pocket expenses are very difficult to estimate, given variations in the yen/dollar exchange rate and personal spending habits. Students should budget up to $1000 for these expenses, which include food, personal travel, entertainment, gifts, and other miscellaneous items.

*JCMU reserve the right to change programs fees at any time. Students from JCMU Consortium member institutions automatically receive the JCMU Consortium Scholarship (currently $200 for the May Short Course Program).

Application

The application should be returned with a $100 nonrefundable deposit, a current official transcript, 2 passport photos (6 if you are an international student or continuing into another semester or also participating in the May seminar) and all the supporting documents listed in the application instructions. Students are urged to apply early. Applications are due on the first Friday in March. Late applications will be accepted, but space is limited!

If you do not have a current passport, please apply for one immediately!

Students may move into the JCMU apartments on the "move-in" dates indicated above. Earlier arrivals will need to find their own accommodations until the move-in dates. Students may not enter the program later than the last arrival date listed. Everyone must leave JCMU by the last "Move-out" day, unless they are continuing into the next semester.

In previous years the May Short Course Program has offered the following courses:

  • Modern Samurai: Japanese Literature and Culture of the 20th Century - Dr. Jonathan L. Thorndike, Belmont University