Study Abroad – 2024 University of the Ryukyus Inter-island Sustainability Educational Program in Okinawa, Japan (August 8th – 17th, 2024)

by | Apr 22, 2024 | Faculty, General, Student

2024 University of the Ryukyus Inter-island Sustainability Educational Program in Okinawa, Japan

The University shall implement the “Inter-Island Sustainability Education Program” (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”) under the auspices of the Inter-University Exchange Project, which is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The Program aims to raise awareness of common issues shared by the Pacific Island Region through international collaboration – with a particular focus on Okinawa, Hawai‘i, and Taiwan – in areas such as energy, the environment, international relations, tourism, poverty, welfare, immigration, Indigenous culture, and language transmission, to train and develop talented individuals imbued with the ability to problem solve through specialized knowledge and skills.

The Intensive Study Program is designed to provide students from the Program’s five partner universities (University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Kauaʻi Community College, Kapiʻolani Community College (United States), National Dong Hwa University and Chinese Culture University (Taiwan)) with the opportunity to study for a maximum of up to ten days in Okinawa, Japan to acquire first-hand knowledge of sustainability issues concerning Okinawa through a series of expert faculty-led lectures and seminars, as well as cultural and educational experiences while learning and working collaboratively with students of the University. Participants will also engage in online collaborative learning utilizing pre- and post-program training to enhance learning outcomes.

Eligibility

• Kapi’olani Community College home campus status student.
• Full-time or part-time, undergraduate student pursuing an associate’s degree or certificate of achievement enrolled in the Spring 2024 semester at Kapi’olani CC. Students must continue their studies and graduate from their home institutions after participation in the Intensive Study Program.
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.1 or above
• US Citizen AND resident of State of Hawai’i – as defined by Kapi’olani CC admissions and records
• At least 18 years old
• Students must participate in all program components, including pre and post-programs. Students who cannot do so due to unavoidable circumstances such as health issues or lack of adequate digital infrastructure must receive instructions on alternative learning from program coordinators.
• Students must be keenly interested in learning about Okinawa and the Pacific Island Region and be expected to interact actively with Japanese student participants. Japanese language skills are not required for program participation.
• Students who plan to terminate their studies or take a leave of absence from their home institution will not be eligible.
• Students expected to enter graduate school in Fall 2024 are not eligible to participate in this program.
• Upon completion of the program, participants will be requested to assist the University’s Inter-University Exchange Project by promoting it at their home institutions, such as through requests for cooperation in advising and helping future applicants from one’s home institution.
• Participants may be asked to allow the University to use their photographed images in future promotional efforts.

Additional Requirements
• All participants must purchase a designated health insurance plan to participate in program (TBA)
• Participants must also be above 18 years of age.
• Participants must also have a passport valid through March 01, 2025.

Program Costs
The University of the Ryukyus will cover and pay for the following expenses.
(A) Round-trip airfare from the location of your university to Okinawa Prefecture
(B) Transportation within Okinawa Prefecture
Participants will be responsible for and pay the following expenses.
(A) Accommodation expenses for lodging arranged by the University of the Ryukyus
(B) Passport application and renewal fees
(C) Travel expenses by cab, bus, etc., from home in your home country to the nearest airport
(D) Expenses for food and beverages in Okinawa. *Breakfast is not included in the accommodation plan.
(E) Fees for personal purchases, including souvenirs.

In-Country Program Dates: August 8th – 17th / Depart Honolulu on August 7 (tentative)

Application Deadline: May 19th, 2024 (Sunday by 11:59pm)

 

For a copy of the itinerary and to apply please contact Shawn Yacavone at yacavone@hawaii.edu