Programs : Brochure

Program Overview

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This faculty-led program provides students with a quick, fun, and affordable way to combine Japanese language and cultural studies with international travel. While in Japan, students will have the opportunity to visit local schools, collaborate with students from SRU's exchange partner, Saga University, and participate in a variety of hands-on cultural activities all while seeing the historical sites in the amazing cities of Saga and Nagasaki. The enrollment in this program will be capped at 20 students and applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come/first-serve basis.

Students participating in this travel program to Japan must be enrolled in any one of the following courses during the Spring 2026 semester:

Title: Japanese Language & Culture II (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN102 Credit Hours: 3 
Title: Japanese Language & Culture III (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN103 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Reading & Writing in Japanese (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN300 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Japanese Study Abroad (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN315 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Asian Literature (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: ENGL248 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Science Fiction (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: ENGL411 Credit Hours: 3

****Please note: While financial aid could be used to cover your costs, it may reduce your refund or you may need to borrow to cover these additional costs.  Financial Aid eligibility cannot be guaranteed. ****
 
Applicants are responsible for meeting with Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid options and eligibility.  They can be reached at 724-738-2044 or financial.aid@sru.edu.  You can also book a phone appointment or zoom meeting at: 

https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SRUFinancialAidCounseling@sru.edu/bookings/

Faculty Leader Information

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Professor Yukako Ishimaru
Lang, Lit, Cultures And Writing
317A Spotts World Culture Building
yukako.ishimaru@sru.edu

Professor Nicholas Katsiadas
Lang, Lit, Cultures And Writing
316M Spotts World Culture Building
nicholas.katsiadas@sru.edu

Program Timeline

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Costs

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A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 will be paid at the time of application. The application fee is a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee used to cover currency fluctuations and wire transfer fees. 

Students must be enrolled in one of the following courses during the spring 2026 semester to be eligible to participate in the program.
Title: Japanese Language & Culture II (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN102 Credit Hours: 3 
Title: Japanese Language & Culture III (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN103 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Reading & Writing in Japanese (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN300 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Japanese Study Abroad (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: JAPN315 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Asian Literature (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: ENGL248 Credit Hours: 3
Title: Science Fiction (Spring 2026) Dept. & Course #s: ENGL411 Credit Hours: 3


Since this program is associated with enrollment in a spring 2026 course, participants may explore their financial aid options. While financial aid could be used to cover your costs, it may reduce your refund or you may need to borrow to cover these additional costs.  Financial Aid eligibility cannot be guaranteed.
 
Applicants are responsible for meeting with Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid options.  They can be reached at 724-738-2044 or financial.aid@sru.edu.  You can also book a phone appointment or zoom meeting at: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SRUFinancialAidCounseling@sru.edu/bookings/

Estimated Costs: $2,100.00 (estimated cost-final cost will be confirmed in December and at the time of billing)
Cost includes:
International airfare
Most program activities/site visits and excursions
Shared accommodations in a hotel and in a homestay (where applicable)
Most breakfasts except on air travel days
In-country transportation to all program sponsored activities

Not included in the program cost above:
Basic international travel insurance-estimated at $16 per week of travel
Any baggage fees charged by the airlines-estimated at $50-$75.00 per checked in bag
Personal spending money-we recommend an estimated $700.00 in personal spending money to cover meals beyond breakfasts and incidentals including personal shopping. This estimate is determined by previous student reports of personal spending and may vary by participant.
Vaccine/Health related expenses 

Health and Safety

For general safety and security information for students abroad visit U.S. Students Abroad.
For information regarding health related travel guidance visit the CDC. **Vaccines are the financial responsibility of the program participants and not covered in the above costs.**
To learn more about international travel in this country, click here.