NCC in China/Japan

Offered Fall Term

This unique dual-country program, launched in fall 2004, offers students the opportunity to live and study in both China and Japan over the course of 15 weeks. The program begins in Beijing, the modern capital of the People's Republic of China, with seven weeks of classes at the prestigious Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). Students study Chinese culture with local faculty, take one course taught by an accompanying NCC faculty member, and complete the equivalent of Chinese 101 or higher, depending on their level of proficiency.

In the second half of the fall term, students move to Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan, to complete their studies at a university in the area. They continue in the course taught by the NCC professor, begin or continue the study of Japanese (completing at least the equivalent of Japanese 101), review Chinese language, and enroll in a course about Japanese culture taught by local faculty.

Students are housed on campus in China and off campus in Japan. Meals are provided in dining halls at BFSU; students live in self-catered apartments in Japan.

NCC Eligibility Requirements

Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing; GPA 3.0 preferred.
This program is NOT designed for students with advanced Japanese language skills. Ideally, students should be either at a beginning level (taking JPN 101 while in Japan) or in an intermediate level (taking JPN 201 while in Japan).

China/Japan Application Material

All application materials will be distributed at the first orientation meeting.
DEADLINE: ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE DUE AT YOUR 3RD ORIENTATION!

China/Japan Program Calendar

Time in China: 8 weeks (7 academic weeks and 1 week break)
Time in Japan: 7 weeks

NCC Academic Credit

Participating NCC students receive a total of 12 NCC credit hours:
- GLS 387 Seminar in China and Japan, 3 credits taught by NCC professor)
- GLS 287 Topics in Chinese Culture, 1.5 credits
- GLS 288 Topics in Japanese Culture, 1.5 credits
- Japanese Language course, 3 credits
- Chinese Language course, 3 credits

NCC Pre-Study Abroad Course, GLS 277

A workshop in intercultural learning designed for students enrolled in North Central College study abroad programs. Students explore the concept of culture, compare cultural values, investigate social relations and communication styles, prepare for adjustment, and begin to develop intercultural competence. Journals are kept while students are in their host cultures; required activities and a final reflective essay are completed upon return. Required of all students who plan to study abroad.

Housing and Meals

Accommodation in China: Residence Hall at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).
Accommodation in Japan: shared apartments in the Kyoto/Kameoka area

Meals in China: meal plan provided at BFSU cafeteria (lower level of residence hall)
Meals in Japan: students are responsible for all meals in Japan

Estimated Costs

Participants pay tuition and a $3000 program fee to North Central College.

Financial aid is applicable to this program, however, all study abroad students should meet with a financial aid representative during the spring term to determine any changes/adjustments in their financial aid package.

Student Charges in Japan:
All students should budget for the following three items:
1. Transportation: Shuttle service between Kameoka train station and KGU (100 yen/one way). NCC will subsidize rail transportation for any students who are housed more than two stops from Kameoka train station. KGU shuttle service runs from Kameoka train station.
2. Cell Phone Usage: local calls only; cost depends on usage (approx. 80 cents/call). Rental charges are covered by NCC.
3. Food: students are responsible for ALL food costs in Japan.

Airfare estimate: $1500

Personal Expenses
This really depends on the student. Students need to consider all personal spending money including travel! Students who participated in this program last year estimate between $2000-$2500, including some travel.

Erik Hajek Sophomore Major: Japanese Minor: Chinese & Marketing

China is a land of contrasts, much like Japan, but in different ways. It's a land of phenomenally rich and impoverished poor, breakneck economic progress and lethargic political development, sterile mausoleums and filthy side streets. Yet hidden in the mess is a charm that exists in the unbroken spirit of 1.3 billion Chinese, a spirit that's allowed them to suffer 5000 years of hardship. That's why I study abroad. To feel the warmth of my friend buying me orange juice when he has no money, to have a conversation with a persistent waitress who barely knows English, or to just sit back and watch the gears of this ancient culture spin. Studying abroad is about school, but more so it's about interaction. I learned more in Beijing's dusty alleys than I ever did in the classroom. People around the world are different, and you never truly understand them or yourself until you go and meet them.