Host City and Institution:

Hikone, a city of 109,000 inhabitants, sits on the Eastern shore of Lake Biwa. Mountains suitable for climbing and low-lying plains create a picturesque country landscape surrounding Hikone. The four seasons provide activities all year round. Spring is filled with cherry blossoms, followed by summer when people come out to play water sports and have barbeques on the beach. The fall is filled with brightly colored changing leaves and cool breezes along the shoreline. In winter, many people enjoy skiing in the nearby mountains. As the seasons change throughout the year, the beautiful sunsets across Lake Biwa remain breathtaking.

The City of Hikone has a very rich history. It was first inhabited 8000 years ago and was famous for its agriculture, providing rice to the imperial court. During the shogunate era of the late 16th century, Hikone served as a central battle ground for two opposing forces during a nation-wide feudal war. The erection of Hikone Castle resulted in the swift development of Hikone. It was governed by a strict feudal system allowing peace and prosperity for over 200 years. The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) was established in 1989. It's aim is to promote mutual understanding and recognition of the various aspects of culture, language, and customs of both Japan and the United States, in a location where people can come together for study and research, and to serve as a focal point for international educational exchange open to the local community.  

Country:

Since the end of its self-imposed isolation 150 years ago, Japan has not hesitated in making up for lost time.  From the moment of arrival in this oddly familiar, quintessentially oriental land it's almost as if you've touched down on another planet.  Japan is a place of ancient gods and customs, but is also on the cutting edge of cool modernity. High-speed trains take you from one end of the country to another with ease. Few other countries have, in the space of a few generations, experienced so much or made such an impact. Industrialized at lightning speed, Japan shed its feudal trappings to become the one of the most economically powerful countries in the world.    

The vast majority of the population lives on the crowded coastal plains of the main island of Honsh. In the cities you'll first be struck by the mass of people. These hyperactive metropolises are the place to catch the latest trend, the hippest fashions and technologies, and the most cutting-edge cuisine before they hit the rest of the world. It's not all about modernity, however: cities like Tokyo and Osaka also provide the best opportunities to view traditional performance arts, such as Kabuki and N? plays, or track down the wealth of Japanese visual arts in the major museums. Outside the cities a vast range of destinations awaits, from the wide open spaces and deep volcanic lakes of Hokkaido to the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa. You'll seldom have to go far to catch sight of a lofty castle, ancient temple or shrine, or locals celebrating at a colorful street festival. Japan has unexpectedly beautiful landscapes, charmingly courteous people, and its tangible sense of history and cherished traditions.  

About the program:

The Japanese Center for Michigan Universities is a direct enrollment program with Michigan State University. Students will pay tuition and fees for Michigan State to the Office of International Affairs. Upon receipt of the tuition and fees, a student will be registered to study abroad. Because this program is a direct enrollment the grades will appear on the student?s transcript but will not be factored into the student's Texas Tech GPA.  

Courses and Areas of Study: 

Intensive Japanese language is taught at four different levels, from beginning to advanced. No prior Japanese language study is necessary. Japanese language courses normally involve 10 credits, covering a standard academic year's worth of material in one semester. Students are able to complete the equivalent of two academic levels of Japanese in one academic semester at JCMU. Placement tests given at the beginning of the program are used to determine the appropriate level for each student.

Elective courses are taught in English. Japanese Culture & Society is offered each semester and may be repeated for credit. JCMU Visiting Scholars also facilitate a course; these offerings vary by semester. Distance learning and independent study options are also available.

Housing and Meals:

For students participating in home stays, at least two meals a day are provided and commuting costs between the home stays site and the Center are part of the overall fee. For students living in the JCMU apartments, the housing fee covers rent, utilities, room and building maintenance, and common-area cleaning.  

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available to all TTU students studying in a TTU approved program. Budgets for the approved programs are sent directly to the Study Abroad Financial Aid Advisor. The amount of aid available to each student varies according to the program of study. Students are encouraged to meet with the Study Abroad Financial Aid Advisor in the Office of Financial Aid, West Hall room 301, at least 5 weeks prior to the start of the study abroad program.  

Study Abroad Competitive Scholarship (SACS)

This scholarship is funded from monies collected through a four-dollar international education fee paid by all regularly enrolled students at Texas Tech University. Students attending TTU the semester before participating in international exchange and study abroad programs through Texas Tech or its affiliates, and International students enrolled in a degree program at TTU are eligible to apply.  

There are two award periods: apply during the fall semester for the following spring or apply in the spring semester for summer/fall study. Complete applications will be reviewed by the SACS committee, who determines the recipients and amount of award. For more information, please attend one of the information sessions held several times a week prior to the scholarship deadline.  

Orientation:

Students are required to attend a pre-departure orientation before they leave Texas Tech University to participate in their study abroad program. There is an on-site orientation for students upon arrival in Japan.