Tokyo, Japan
IES Program
Program Focus - Japanese language program, area studies in English, Field Placement program, all levels of Japanese, semester/full year/summer options
IES Web Site - www.iesabroad.org
Program Dates
IES Tokyo - offers English taught area studies courses concentrating on contemporary Japan, as well as a rigorous Japanese language program. However, the heart of the IES Tokyo program in the Field Placement Program, which is an opportunity to work in and observe a Japanese organization up close. All interested students, regardless of their Japanese language level at the start of the program, may complete a field placement as a participant-observer in a Japanese business, school, religious or political organization, athletic association, publishing company, or community organization. Japanese language instruction is offered through Kanda University of International Studies for students at all levels.
Kanda University of International Studies - Kanda University of International Studies was founded in 1987. It is a private university dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in international studies, foreign languages, intercultural communication, Japanese culture, and linguistics. KUIS is a modern and vibrant university with high standards of teaching and research. The University annually enrolls approximately 2,700 students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels; all students study a second language. IES students are able to make full use of KUIS' modern computer and email facilities, sports and recreation center, international cafeteria, bakery, and library. IES students receive a KUIS student ID card that enables them to receive student discounts on museum entrance fees, the cinema, theatrical performances, and rail travel. The IES Center is located just off campus in a modern building within walking distance to public transportation, a fine beach, and many public amenities.
The City of Tokyo - Tokyo is a modern city of wonderful contrasts. Its dignified temples and shrines stand quietly in the shadows of massive skyscrapers. Tokyo's modernity and fast pace are somehow subdued by the serene charm of its many parks and the quiet courtesy of its people. Both energetic and graceful, Tokyo is a gateway to the fascinating culture of Japan.
Located in the coastal town of Makuhari New City in Chiba Prefecture, the IES Center is just 30 minutes by commuter rail to the heart of Tokyo. Known as a "model metropolitan area for the 21st century," Makuhari juxtaposes modern corporate headquarters such as Canon, IBM, Sharp, and Seiko Instruments with traditional Japanese gardens and a beach on Tokyo Bay. Students can visit the Chiba Marine Stadium, home of the Chiba Lotte Marines (Japanese professional baseball team) or stroll through the splendid Makuhari Seaside Park and enjoy its Mihama-en (traditional Japanese garden) and Shorai-tei (tea ceremony room).
Eligibility
- Meet Loyola standards of eligibility
- 3.0 GPA or better is required for academic semester or year programs. (Students with GPAs between 2.75 and 3.0 may be eligible with supplemental application materials.)
- Please refer to additional eligibility requirements as listed in IES program materials or on the IES web-site.
Course Information
A semester student typically earns 7 credits for Japanese language student, and three credits for each IES area studies course for a total of 16-19 semester credits. All area studies courses utilize Tokyo by including field study through day trips to institutions associated with class topics. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in courses taught at Kanda University (in English or Japanese) for 1.5 credits per course. Elective Japanese courses in kanji and conversation, earning 2 to 3 credits each, are offered through Kanda University of International Studies on a space available basis to students wanting to supplement their Japanese language study.
Japanese Language ProgramJapanese in Context- 5 levels, for students with less than one year of college-level Japanese or the equivalent to students with three years or more of college-level Japanese or the equivalent.
Elective Japanese Courses – “Kaiwa” (or Japanese conversation), and “Kanji” (Chinese characters), both electives are offered at 4 levels
Area Studies Courses offered in:
Anthropology International Business
Art Political Science
Architecture Sociology
Economics Urban Studies
History
Popular Kanda University courses for IES students have included:
- Intercultural Communications I&II
- International Business Communication I&II
- Anthropological Fieldwork and Film
- History of Modern Japan
- Women’s Issues in Japan
- Southeast Asian Religion and Culture
- Expressions of Culture in American and Japanese Film
- Non-Verbal Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Societies in Crisis
- Japanese Ethics
- Contemporary Japanese Politics
Field Placement
The IES Tokyo Center offers a special seminar course for all students called "Social Organization of Japan," which places all IES students in a Japanese organization. Students will work as participant-observers for one full work-day each week. The purpose of the placement is to offer students first-hand observation of Japanese culture and society as well as provide an experiential learning basis for which to discuss social organization in the seminar classroom. At the end of the term, students submit a professional looking portfolio about their field placement and conduct a classroom presentation discussing one aspect of Japanese social organization. The process of assembling the portfolio allows students to reflect on their learning in the field placement and in doing so create a tangible, organized record of their unique experience in Japan.
Some recent field placements include NIKE Japan, International Bankers Association, JUICE magazine, Japan Civil Liberties Union, to list a few.
Types of Accommodation
Homestays - participating in the Center’s Homestay Program can be an enriching and unforgettable experience, and is a wonderful way to fully participate in Japanese culture. Student who chose to live with host families receive breakfast and dinner daily, seven days a week.
Dormitories - The IES Tokyo Center places students in male- and female-only dormitories. Both dormitories are equipped with a dining hall, a kitchenette for self-catering, a community bath and private showers, laundry facilities, and a common area. Each student has a single room with bed, desk, desk lamp, wardrobe, telephone, and Internet access. Both dormitories are located off-campus, and are shared with Japanese university students and young company employees. The dormitory's meal plan is included and provides breakfast and dinner daily, six days a week. Dormitories do not provide meals on public holidays, but they do have kitchens for self-catering. Meals in these dormitories are not served buffet-style. Instead, there is a set menu at every meal, which may not suit those with special dietary needs.
For Semester/Full Year Programs:
IES tuition ($14,375 for Fall 2008 semester), plus IES room and board costs ($3,425 for Fall 2008 semester), and IES health insurance ($195 for Fall 2008 semester).
The following forms of aid may transfer: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loans, IL Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP), Alternative Loans, IES scholarships and need-based grants (for which students must apply).
For Summer Programs:
Students pay IES tuition ($4,410 for summer 2008), room and board ($1,100 for summer 2008), health insurance ($80 for summer 2008) airfare and other miscellaneous expenses are not included in the tuition. Check with a study abroad advisor and a financial aid advisor for information about financial aid transfer.
Additional Loyola Study Abroad Fees
$1000 for semester and full year programs, $500 for summer programs
