Japan: Tour Information

Introduction

Pierce College and UW Tacoma have developed a study tour that combines pre-departure orientation sessions with three weeks of language and history study in Tokyo plus excursions in Tokyo and an optional overnight trip to Kyoto. The study tour will be based on the beautiful campus of Tamagawa University, a Pierce College partner school, and participants will stay in student guest houses.

Academic Content

UWT participants will earn 12 to 15 credits: 5 credits in Japanese language, 5 credits in Japanese history (TSMIN 415), and up to 5 credits for a directed studies research project. Participants will be expected to attend all required classes and study tours and to complete all assignments in a timely manner. Final grades will be submitted at the end of summer term.

Faculty leaders for this tour are Japanese instructor Kazuko Howard of Pierce College and Dr. Mary Hanneman, professor of Asian history at the University of Washington, Tacoma.

Program Schedule

Pre-departure orientation: May and June, 2008; specific dates/times TBA

Study tour: June 19, 2008 (departure for Tokyo) to July 10, 2008 (return to Sea-Tac)

Passports and Visas

You must have a valid passport to participate in this study tour. If you need a new or renewed passport, please apply for it immediately. Visas will not be required for this trip.

Program Costs

Travel fees for the program are $2,560, payable to Pierce College per the payment schedule below. UWT students will also be charged a course fee of in lieu of tuition of $1,200 for Summer Quarter 2008.

Included in Program Fees:

• course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 12-15 UW credits
• Round trip airfare, Sea-Tac to Tokyo
• Lodging in Tamagawa University student guest house
• Ground transportation and admissions for scheduled field trips

Not Included in Program Fees:

• Optional overnight trip to Kyoto ($300)
• Meals
• Educational materials (books, supplies)
• Personal spending money

Payment schedule

Participants must submit a deposit of $160 with their application to secure a reservation; $60 of this application deposit will be non-refundable. Payments may be made by check to the address below. The balance of $2,400 can be paid in full or by installments according to the following schedule:

• $600 no later than February 28, 2008
• $600 no later than March 7, 2008
• $600 no later than April 11, 2008
• $600 no later than May 9, 2008

Mailing address for checks:

Pierce College
International Education/ATTN Mary Meulblok
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498

Cancellations, if any, must be made in writing and received prior to stated deadlines. Penalties will be deducted from the account balance based on the following schedules: $100 penalty for cancellations through February 28, 2008; $500 penalty through March 15, 2008; and $1000 penalty through May 31, 2008. After May 31, 2008, there will be no refunds. If the trip is cancelled by Pierce College or UWT for insufficient enrollment, full refunds will be made. Returned checks: a processing fee of $50 will be charged for any check returned to Pierce College.

Course Fee

UWT students will be charged a course fee of $1,200 in lieu of tuition, which will be applied to students' accounts at the point of registration and will be due by July 11, 2008, the tuition due date for Summer Quarter 2008.

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

Pierce College reserves the right to increase the program fee due to inflation, dollar devaluation or if itinerary changes necessitate such action. However, Pierce College will make every attempt to hold costs within the prices quoted.

Pierce College reserves the right to make the following changes which will not constitute grounds for a full refund: changes in itinerary, including departure date; a change in air routing or airline carriers; omissions of sights or services described in the itinerary due to scheduled closures, holidays, or strikes. Where possible suitable alternatives will be provided.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least ten days in advance. An appointment can be made through the front desk of Enrollment Services (253-692-4400), through Student Services (692-4501), or by phoning Lisa Tice at 692-4493 (voice) or 692-4413 (TTY), or by email (ltice@u.washington.edu).