Asia
Biology in South India
Late August to December
Campus Program Adviser: Anne Walter (Science Center 214, x3961) Mike Swift (Science Center 250, x3886) and Sarah Fruehling (Science Center 178 x3278) 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 Studies (ACM)
Mid-July to mid-December
Campus Program Adviser: Elizabeth Galbraith (Chapel 304, x3894)
Enrollment: 20 students
Eligibility: Priority to juniors and seniors
The Indian subcontinent provides a rich and complex background for the study of a non-Western civilization. India Studies program participants live with Indian host families in Pune, a city that is at once both traditional and highly industrialized, offering students an excellent opportunity to observe the interaction of tradition and modernity that characterizes contemporary India . While there, students enroll at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth for an academic session, where they have language instruction, choose four other courses and complete their independent study projects. Additionally, students enjoy field trips, which can include nearby cultural sites such as the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the pilgrimage to Pandharpur. A variety of extracurricular activities, such as dance, yoga, weaving and batik, can be arranged.
Japan Studies (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 (Steensland Hall, Lower Level, 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.
Students study at Waseda University 's International Liberal Studies in Tokyo after a brief orientation providing intensive language practice and cultural discussions. In addition to required language study, electives may be chosen from a wide range of Asian studies and other courses taught in English with students from Japan and many other countries. A family living experience in Tokyo provides an informal education in Japanese culture and is in many ways the dominant feature of the program, offering total immersion in the Japanese way of life. The program is recommended for a full year of study, although a term or semester option is also available.
Ferris University - Japan
Full year
Campus Program Adviser: Rika Ito (Steensland Hall, Lower Level, X3637)
Ferris University , located in Yokohama , Japan (approx. one hour from Tokyo by train), is a relatively small but very prestigious all female university. Ferris provides an ideal opportunity to study and obtain practical knowledge of the culture and language of Japan to very independent female students. Classes are conducted in English and Japanese, depending on the course. Students will live in dormitories, but during summer, winter and spring vacations it is possible to arrange for home stays with a Japanese family.
Nagasaki University of Foreign Languages
Semester I, semester II or full year
Campus Program Adviser: Rika Ito (Steensland Hall, Lower Level, X 3637)
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 (Steensland Hall, Lower Level, 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 .
Lutheran Theological University: Seoul, Korea
Campus Program Adviser: Kathy Tuma (Steensland Hall, First Floor, x3228)
This is a study/service program. For more information, refer to the Study/Service section of this catalog (p. 31).
Yonsei University - Korea
Semester I, semester II, full year
Campus Program Adviser: Karil Kucera (Dittmann 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, Korea or Hong Kong
Mid-August to late November
Campus Program Adviser: Heather Campbell ( Education Center 37, X 3245)
For students preparing to be teachers, student teaching sites abroad include Kodaikanal International School (India); Woodstock International School (India); Seoul Foreign School (South Korea) and Hong Kong International School. Teaching normally begins in August and concludes late 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
• 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 September 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 eaching abroad program is dependent upon approval from the international school, the availability of an appropriate placement at the international school, and support tfrom the Education Department.
Term in China
September to December
Campus Program Adviser: Pin P. Wan (Steensland Hall, Lower Level, 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 Aug. 25; returns about
Jan. 25
Campus Program Adviser: Robert Entenmann ( Holland 513A, x 3427)
2007-08 Field Supervisor: John Barbour (Boe Chapel 302, x3083)
Assistant Field Supervisor: Meg Ojala ( Dittmann Center 200A, x3823)
Students combine cross-cultural experience, including a home stay, with academic study of the non-Western world.
Courses offered by East China Normal University in Shanghai, Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and CET Academic Programs 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 program extends over the first semester and the January Interim. The first week is spent in Japan , the next five weeks in China , two and a half months 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 five 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
Except during the January independent travel period, 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 2007-08, the program cost was $7,993 over and above the St. Olaf tuition. The program covers round-trip international travel from the West Coast to Thailand with stops in Japan, 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 Japan 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
Five courses are offered. The fifth course 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, Environmental Studies.
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).
Thai TA111: Thai Language Intensive language study focusing on understanding and speaking. Aimed at students with no previous study of Thai language. Small groups and individual instruction, reinforced by living with a Thai family. Counts as an elective.
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 (MCS-G)
Field Supervisor's Course:
Religion 270: The Ethics of Travel: Pilgrims and Tourists Students examine two forms of travel: traditional Buddhist pilgrimages and modern forms of tourism. The course explores Buddhist and Christian forms of pilgrimage, comparing their motivations, practices, and consequences in relation to each tradition's ethical ideals. Tourism raises ethical issues including economic justice, environmental impact, sustainability, and the quality of interactions between tourists and local cultures.
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-.
