Japan & Lansing Community College in 2011

LCC students will have the opportunity to engage in academic study, service learning, and a business independent study in Lansing’s sister city, Otsu, located in Michigan’s sister state, the Shiga Prefecture. The new Japan Immersion program, running from June 7 through August 17, 2011, will include the following activities: Japanese language and culture study at the Kyoto Institute of Culture and Language. Cultural and service learning opportunities with local nonprofit and governmental organizations. Three-credit LCC independent study in business on the Biwako-Kisen Company (BKC) Michigan boat, a Mississippi River-style stern-wheeler on Lake Biwa. Students will work part-time on the tourist vessel. LCC and BKC have partnered on three student programs between 1982 and 2007 and are pleased to renew their partnership. Shiga Prefecture and the City of Otsu are well removed from the devastation of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, as well as from the ongoing issues with the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. Shiga, and neighboring Kyoto, continues to host literally thousands of international students and tourists year-round. All local Japanese universities are accepting international students as usual -- as are the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) and the Associated Kyoto Programs (AKP). Both of these major study-abroad programs also have assessed the situation in this region as safe and will have normal summer programs running this year. The cost of participating in the program -- including LCC tuition, Kyoto Institute of Language and Culture tuition, and air fare – is estimated at $3500. Housing is provided and scholarship funds to cover part of the program cost will be available for students. No prior Japanese language study is required for this program. Applications for this program are due April 20, 2011. For more information or to request application materials, contact Professor Marc Thomas at thomasm6@lcc.edu or 517-483-1912.