Asia

Biology in South India

Late August to December

Campus Program Adviser: Anne Walter (Regents Hall NS 378 x3961) Mike Swift (Regents Hall 420 x3886) Sara Fruehling (Regents Hall 384 x3273)

Sponsoring Department: Biology

India is a vast country with tremendous opportunities for studying ecology and ways in which humans practice health care and interact with the environment. This fall semester program in India offers up to 10 biology and environmental studies students a chance to work on two independent research projects chosen among several sites in southern India . Possible topics will be in the areas of rural health care, leprosy, TB, vector-borne diseases, molecular biology, agriculture, elephant/wildlife ecology, mountain ecology, medicinal plants, and sustainable development. The program starts with a four-week study and orientation session in Chennai and a rural setting that exposes students to India and Indian life. These class sessions and field trips introduce India's history, philosophy, religion, music, customs and current politics, as well as the practical matters of getting around and getting along in India. The program fulfills two biology electives, MCS-G and WRI requirements. A fourth independent study course is possible with permission of the Program Adviser and the appropriate Department. Those students wanting Environmental Studies experiental or elective credit must request permission from the Chair of Environmental Studies in writing.

India: Culture, Traditions, & Globalization (ACM)

ACM

Mid-July to mid-December

Campus Program Adviser: De Ane Lagerquist (Chapel 107B x3175)

Enrollment: 20 students

Eligibility: Priority to juniors and seniors

The fall ACM India program, located in Pune, is designed to provide students with an overview of these many aspects of Indian culture and society today.   The program begins in mid-August, with a three-week orientation, in which students begin an "Introduction to India" core course, study Marathi language intensively, and draw up a plan of research for their independent study projects.  The regular term begins in early September, where students continue the core course and Marathi language, choose one of three elective courses (in political science, sociology, or environmental studies), and begin to carry out their independent study projects.   In each of the courses, classroom learning is augmented by weekly activities outside of the classroom, and students are also encouraged to volunteer with local organizations.  The program organizes several program-sponsored overnight excursions to sites in and around Pune, while a one-week break in October provides opportunities to travel further afield in India.  In Pune, students live with Indian host families, who provide breakfast and dinner, as well as a packed lunch for the mid-day meal.  This arrangement provides a window into Indian society that students would not otherwise have, and for many it is the highlight of their experience in India.   Pune itself reflects the contrasts of India as a whole.    A city of 3.5 million, it is an important center for the automobile and software industries of India, and is also known as “the Oxford of India,” a reference to the presence of the prestigious University of Pune.  Its climate is far more pleasant than that of muggy Mumbai,  and it has attracted many foreigners over the years who have come to the ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh.

Japan Studies (ACM)

ACM

Mid-September to mid-July (full year)

Mid-September to early February
(fall semester)

Mid-September to mid-March (fall semester with cultural practicum)

Campus Program Adviser: Rika Ito (Tomson Hall 349,l x3637)

Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. No Japanese language study required for acceptance, but at least one semester or term of Japanese must be completed before departure.

Established in 1963, the Japan Study program is one of the oldest and most comprehensive programs in educational exchange and development linking colleges and universities in the United States and Japan. Based at Earlham College, Japan Study links member colleges of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) and the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) with those of Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.  Throughout its rich history, Japan Study has made important contributions toward fostering the growth of international and intercultural understanding among a significant number of Japanese and American students and faculty. Participants have gone on to distinguished careers in academics, industry, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. They play important roles in a wide range of settings linking Japan, the United States, and the rest of the world.  Japan Study enables students to become international citizens as they explore Japan in depth, build language skills, and experience Japanese culture. Living with a Japanese family, taking courses at Waseda University, and participating in a cultural practicum/internship offer different windows for experiencing and understanding the complex society of contemporary Japan.  Students choose from several extended fall semester or full academic year options.

 

Nagasaki University of Foreign Languages

Semester I, semester II or full year

Campus Program Adviser: Rika Ito (Tomson Hall 349, x3637)

A relatively small university and city, Nagasaki may be a good fit for those hesitant toward living and studying in Japan 's larger university.The Japan Studies in Nagasaki (JASIN) program offers courses in Japanese language, society and culture. In addition to Japanese language class, students are required to take Japan studies classes, conducted in Japanese or English, and have the option to take seminars in traditional Japanese arts. Japanese studies classes will vary from year to year but fall under the topics of economics, business, society, culture, history and literature. A limited number of students may be able to participate in a guided independent study option. In addition to academic coursework, the program emphasizes a wide exposure to Japanese society and culture through field trips, tours, social activities and arranged stays in Japanese-style housing situations. Accommodation is in a home stay or, for female students, in the university.

Nagoya University

Semester I, semester II, full year

Campus Program Adviser: Rika Ito (Tomson Hall 349, x3637)

The Nagoya University Program for Academic Exchange (NUPACE) is a short-term student exchange program, through which students are given the opportunity to study in Japan for a semester or full year. NUPACE offers a unique and flexible curriculum consisting of a common academic program – Japanese language instruction, Japanese area studies and international/cross-cultural studies – and a wide range of courses in the student's major field of study. Courses are taught in English. Students who are proficient in Japanese are eligible to register for any course offered to degree-seeking students at Nagoya University . Most students will live in a university international dorm with other exchange students as well as Japanese students. Nagoya University has a wide range of cultural and sports clubs, as well as volunteer groups that provide international and Japanese students with

an excellent opportunity to interact. Students are eligible to apply for JASSO scholarships (Japan Student Services Organization), which provides monthly stipend of ¥80,000 and a one-time study abroad allowance of ¥150,000 after arrival at Nagoya University .

Yonsei University - Korea

Semester I, semester II, full year

Campus Program Adviser: Karil  Kucera (Dittman Center 301 x3129)

Yonsei University , established in 1885, is the oldest university in Korea . It is situated on a large, quiet, well-wooded campus in the heart of Seoul . The International Division of Yonsei University was created to provide study opportunities for non-Korean students of Asian studies. It provides a one-year program, taught in English, designed to give a broad introduction to Korea in its Asian and world setting.

All students are required to take an East Asian studies course titled “Introduction to Korea .” Beyond that, students choose courses from a variety of disciplines, including art, business, economics, history, law or philosophy. There is also opportunity for Korean language study.

Students have the option of living in Yonsei University 's international student dormitory or off-campus via arrangements they make themselves onsite. A mix of Korean and foreign students live in the dormitory to provide an international atmosphere, though the primary language there is English.

Student Teaching Abroad in India

Mid-July to late November

Campus Program Adviser: Eric McDonald (Tomson Hall 114C x3546)

For students preparing to be teachers, student teaching sites abroad include Kodaikanal International School (India); Woodstock International School (India). Teaching normally begins in mid-July and ends in early November. Student teaching abroad is fall semester only. Students interested should contact the St. Olaf education department and/or the program adviser for more information.


Application Procedures

  • Information sessions about student teaching abroad are hosted by the education department each fall and spring.
  • Students should contact the program adviser in the education department as soon as they become interested; students are encouraged to consider these sites as early as their sophomore year. Student teaching abroad may involve scheduling adjustments so periodic planning sessions with the program adviser are welcomed.
  • Application forms may be found on the education department web site and are due during October of the year prior to that of student teaching. Interested students should meet with the program adviser about selection criteria.
  • All applicants must be accepted in the teacher education program, must have a 3.0 GPA and support from their major department and must have completed all prerequisites for student teaching.  Final acceptance to the student teaching abroad program is dependent upon approval from the international school, the availability of an appropriate placement at the international school, and support from the education department. 

 

Term in China

September to December

Campus Program Adviser: Pin Wan (Tomson Hall 351, x3684)

This program offers an intensive language and culture course for students who have completed two years of Chinese language with a grade B- or better. Qualified students will spend the fall semester at East China Normal University in Shanghai , China . The schedule of fall semester includes time for independent travel within China

During the semester, students will live in the International Students' Dormitory, sharing a room with a non-English speaking roommate. They receive four credits: one from a required course, “Chinese Culture and Society,” taught by an ECNU professor and three in Chinese language taught by the School of Teaching Chinese as A Foreign Language at ECNU. Students can also earn up to 0.50 credit in Asian Studies or in physical education by taking a self-paid class in calligraphy, a musical instrument, martial arts, or Taiji. The non-language culture course counts toward the Asian Studies major.

Term in Asia

Depart about August 25; returns about December 22

Campus Program Adviser: John Barbour (Chapel 302 x 3083)

2012 Field Supervisors:  Ted Johnson (Regents Hall NS 366 x3392) and Michelle Johnson

Students combine cross-cultural experience, including a home stay, with academic study of the non-Western world.
       
Courses offered by CET Academic Programs in Beijing, Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and CET in Vietnam focus on the cultural traditions, as well as on the contemporary life, of the Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese people.
       
Courses are supplemented by field trips, home visits, living with a Thai family and a short meditation period in a Thai wat (temple). The cross-cultural experience is further enriched by the participation in the program of Thai students, a unique feature that contributes to the in-depth experience of another culture and by the study of oral Thai language.
       
The first few days of the semester are spent in Hong Kong, followed by five weeks in China, six weeks in Thailand and one month in Vietnam. At the end of the program, students may travel independently to other parts of Asia.
       
A St. Olaf faculty member, serving as a field supervisor, helps integrate the program with a concurrent seminar taught over the four months.

Eligibility
Group size is limited to a maximum of 24 and a minimum of 15 students. The program is open to qualified students of other institutions. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible. Selection is made on the basis of each applicant’s scholastic standing, aptitude for foreign study, class in college, faculty recommendations and an interview.

Obligations
Participants are required to remain with the group at all times, take part in all curricular and co-curricular activities, and travel internationally with the group in accordance with group
rate regulation.
Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the West Coast.

Costs
In 2011 the program cost was set at $10.900 over and above the St. Olaf tuition. The program covers round-trip international travel from the West Coast to Thailand with stops in Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China and Vietnam; accommodations in a guest house and in a private home in Chiang Mai, hostels, dormitories and hotels in Hong Kong and China, and dormitories in Vietnam; breakfast and one main meal per day throughout; participation in scheduled sightseeing programs; transportation of 44 pounds of baggage, checked or unchecked. The program cost does not cover meals, accommodations or transportation during the vacation period at the end of the program.

Courses of Study
Four courses are offered. One of them is taught by the St. Olaf faculty member.

Asian Studies TA 250:  Environmental Issues in China
This course introduces students to historical and current environmental issues in China.  We will consider how environmental science has shaped awareness of environmental problems and the policy responses to those problems, with a special focus on issues related to water use and pollution.  Readings and lectures will be brought to life with a program of guided field trips. Counts toward major: Asian Studies. Counts toward concentration: Asian Studies and possibly Environmental Studies (currently under review).   

Sociology TA255: Thai Society
An analysis of current Thai institutions against the backdrop of traditional Thai culture. Topics include Thai Buddhism, family organization, political and economic structures, and educational practices. Lectures will be supplemented by field trips and participatory experiences. Counts toward major, Asian Studies, Sociology/Anthropology. Counts toward concentration: Asian Studies.  GE: Studies in Human Behavior and Society (HBS).

History TA265: Modern Vietnam History
An overview of Vietnam in the 20th century, examining such topics as French colonialism, Marxism-Leninism, the struggle for independence, the First Indochina War and what Vietnamese call the American War. Counts toward major, Asian Studies, History. Counts toward concentration, Asian Studies. GE: Multicultural Studies (MCG)

Field Supervisor’s Course
Biology 215 Health Care and Emerging Diseases in Asia
Students examine public health and the health care response to emerging diseases in Asia. Students study the emerging diseases in a global as well as a societal context while emphasizing their biological origins. Topics include microbiology, immunology, public health, western as
well as traditional medicine and modes of health care delivery. Readings, discussions, and lectures are supplemented by visits to health care agencies and medical facilities.

Grading

Letter grades are recorded on the student’s transcript but not computed in the grade point average. There is one exception: students have the option of taking the course taught by the accompanying field supervisor either graded or S/U. In this case, the graded course is figured into the GPA; if S/U, no course credit is given where the grade earned is below C-.