UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
October 2012
Student Applicants, Japan Study Program for 2013-2014
Judy Tyson, Program Advisor
Application Process
The Japan Study Program is available to students at the University of Puget Sound through an
agreement with Earlham College, which houses the administrative office of the program. Puget
Sound students may apply for this study-abroad program only through the University of Puget
Sound, by the stated deadline (December 1, 2012). All application materials, including letters of
reference, are due by the deadline at International Programs, Howarth 215, CMB 1055.
Attached to this memorandum are materials for your use in applying for the Japan Study Program
operated out of Earlham College for the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) and Associated
Colleges of the Midwest (ACM):
Statement of Procedures
Application forms
Program brochure
Please read these materials with care and also review the information provided below.
1. The program involves ten months of study/travel, beginning in September 2013 and
continuing through the middle of July 2014.
2. The central activity of the program is course work at the School of International Liberal Studies,
Waseda University, Tokyo. Any UPS student accepted for the program will register at Earlham
College, which later will provide an official transcript. A faculty member from a GLCA/ACM
college will be the resident director in Tokyo. Students will live with Japanese families, as
arranged by the program staff; and during the winter break the program includes a cultural
practicum.
3.
Although the program allows participation by students who have had only one term's work in
the Japanese language, the program best serves students with Japanese-language study well
under way. The International Division of Waseda University has formally approved a
minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.
4.
Costs are still unknown for 2013-14 but the fee will be equivalent to a full year of tuition/fees
at Puget Sound, on campus housing and 2/3 board. Not included in the program fee are
additional meals, personal expenses and travel. For the academic year 2012-13, UPS students
were charged $50,640. The 2013-2014 fees will be announced in late February 2013 when UPS
charges are approved by the Board of Trustees. Earlham program staff can assist you with
flight arrangements.
Some Particulars
(1) The Waseda Program is a Puget Sound supported program. Institutional aid from Puget
Sound up to your demonstrated need, as determined by your FAFSA form, will apply to this
program. If you qualify for need-based aid you may be eligible for additional scholarship
funds (i.e. Gilman or Trimble scholarships). Contact International Programs or Asian Studies
for information on these scholarship funds.
(2) Academic credit as a result of this program normally is the equivalent of that of a full
academic year on campus. Your courses will be evaluated by the Puget Sound course
evaluator in the Registrar’s office as part of the application process.
(3) Letters of recommendation must be received by the International Programs office,
University of Puget Sound, by December 1, 2012.
Timetable
Tuesday, October 23, 2012: Informational Meeting
Friday, November 30, 2012: Completed application forms due in International Programs,
Howarth 215.
Mid December: Screening by the Puget Sound Study Abroad Selection Committee.
Mid December: Results of Puget Sound screening announced.
By January 1, 2013: successfully screened applications sent to the Japan Study Office at
Earlham for continuation of the application process.
Attachments
UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND
JAPAN STUDY PROGRAM SELECTION PROCEDURES
The Japan Study Program is an eleven-month program held primarily at Waseda University in
Tokyo. As a rigorous physical, emotional, and intellectual challenge, the program demands of each
student a commitment to a full academic undertaking, health and stamina, and the ability to
cooperate with fellow students, the faculty director, foreign faculty, and nationals of the host
countries. Evidence of good citizenship is a requirement for all applicants. Application to the
program, therefore, should be made only after careful consideration of these personal
requirements. Normally, those entering their junior and senior years will be given preferences over
those who will be sophomores. Sophomores of special merit and ability will be carefully
considered, however.
The selection of participants will occur in two stages: the first screening will be local, based on the
formal application information required by the Great Lakes Colleges Association/Associated
Colleges of the Midwest (GLCA/ACM) and by the Puget Sound Study Abroad Selection
Committee. The second, final, selection will be from among all of the applicants nationally to the
GLCA/ACM Japan Study Program. It will be based on an assessment of the student's likely
contribution to and ability to benefit from the program.
Application Material Required for Initial Screening:
The following application material is to be submitted to International Programs, University of
Puget Sound, Howarth 215 on or before November 30, 2012:
(1) completed application forms with required signatures;
(2) three "academic program recommendations," at least two from faculty members at
Puget Sound. Please remind your recommenders to send recommendations to
International Programs to arrive by November 30, 2012
(4) signed Statement of Understanding (attached)
Final Selection:
Final selection at the Japan Study Program Office at Earlham College generally takes place within
eight weeks after the national application deadline.
As a standing policy, the University of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color,
national origin, religion, age, marital status, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. This policy is
consistent with relevant federal statutes and regulations, including those pursuant to Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Questions
regarding the application of this policy may be referred to the University's Affirmative Action Officer,
(253) 879-3368, or the Director of the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education.
Statement of Understanding:
I declare that the responses on all of my application materials are true and accurate. I give
permission to have my application materials duplicated and given to members of the Selection
Committee and the Program Director. I also give permission to the Office of the Registrar to release
a transcript when necessary to verify my satisfactory academic progress and completion of
prerequisite courses (if applicable). Student Financial Services has my authorization to release the
information about whether I am in good financial standing with the University.
I have read and understand all materials about the Japan Study Program at Waseda University.
To make the program a success, I agree to:
1. Provide accurate information on all application materials.
2. Show consideration for fellow participants, faculty, administrators, and host country
persons.
3. Register, attend, and complete the course of study.
4. Maintain good academic standing.
5. Refrain from abuse of alcohol.
6. Refrain from use of illegal drugs.
7. Abide by the code of conduct at Waseda University and the laws of Japan.
8. Meet the financial obligations of the program.
I agree to meet the participant expectations listed below:
1. Be committed to an academic program, which will be both vigorous and exciting.
2. This commitment means full-time enrollment and participation in all academic and related
activities.
3. Participate in an orientation session given by Puget Sound, to be announced at a later date.
4. Keep International Programs informed of any address change.
5. Participate in the evaluation of the program at its conclusion. Evaluations will be kept on
campus.
By printing my name on this statement, I affirm that I understand the University of Puget Sound
reserves the right to remove me from the program for failure to abide with these guidelines, and
may inform my parent/guardian of my dismissal from the program. The authority to take this
action rests with the on-site administrator, with prompt, formal report to the Dean of the University
and/or the Dean of Students.
Signature of Applicant
Date
Please submit this form, along with all other application materials, including your letters of recommendation
to:
International Programs, Howarth 215
NO LATER THAN November 30, 2012