Study Abroad!!

In 08-09, the following people are participating in studying abroad in Japan: Natasha Little, Alex Knapp, and Ryan Buyco. Maria Ablen was there for Spring 2008. This March, Jack Allenza, Jennifer Choi, Sara Cook, Matt Oczknowski, Gina Palmisano, and Patel Shweta joined them. As for those who are going to study abroad in 09-10, we have so far heard from Richard Ashman, Mark Mahoney, and Thomas London. Congratulations! If you cannot go for a year or even a semester, there is also an option to study during summer like Alexander Santoso, who is going to Waseda University for its 6 weeks summer Japanese program starting from 12th July to 24th August.

Letter from Japan

Thinking about study abroad in Japan? Find some great advice from your senpai. From Nagoya, Japan, Ryan Buyco writes about his study abroad experience.

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“I have been in Japan since last August and it has been a wonderful experience. I am studying abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya, and although there are many mixed feelings about this program, I think that for me, my experience here has been a positive one. When I was first applying to study abroad programs, Hamano Sensei recommended Nanzan because its a great program to improve Japanese language skills. I think I made the right decision because I truly believe my Japanese greatly improved while being here. I have three hours of Japanese classes Monday through Friday, and although it sounds like a lot, it really helps because a lot of the grammar and words I learn in class I find myself using in everyday conversation.

Also, I think by being in Japan I have been growing culturally as well. I have been traveling as much as possible since I've been here, and I feel I had the opportunity to experience some truly amazing things from this country. I've been able to climb mountains, stay in Buddhist temples, and I even completed a part of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage of Shikoku to name a few. As for city life, nothing will ever beat Tokyo's nightlife or Osaka's food. Luckily, however, Nagoya is in central Japan so getting to both these cities is fairly easy to do.

I recommend that everyone who comes to Japan should come here with an open mind. I know many people who love being here but also some who don't. Sometimes it is just a hit or miss, but I think generally, if you come here with an open mind and take the time to travel, I am almost certain that you will have an amazing time too. If you have any questions regarding my program or anything else, please contact me! My email is rbuyco@gwmail.gwu.edu. Thanks!”

Study Japanese this summer!!

~Advanced Japanese I&II~

An intensive 12 week course, divided into two sessions from May 18 to August 15, 2009. The course is designed to improve reading ability, encourage writing short pieces, and practice conversation skills through a systematic review of grammar through and beyond the intermediate level. Text:上級への扉—Gateway to Advanced Japanese, with supplemental material of authentic texts.

• JAPN 105: Session 1, May 18-June 27, 2009
• JAPN 106: Session 2, July 6-Aug 15
• Both sessions Monday through Thursday 6:00-7:30pm
  

Contact the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures for more info.
Tel 202 / 994-7106; http://www.gwu.edu/~eall

Course info: http://www.summer.gwu.edu/oncampus.html

Registration info: http://www.gwu.edu/~regweb/web-content/registration/gen_info_summer2009.html

What are you up to?

When you take Japanese classes at GW, you become part of our extended family …whether you like it or not! We are always happy to learn about what you are up to. So be sure to let us know where your life takes you and make us proud!

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Jose Pulido (JAPN106) has been selected to be among 36 delegates from the US for the 61st Japan America Student Conference (JASC;日米学生会議) to be held from July 24th to August 21st this summer. The JASC was established by a few college students during in 1934 with the mission goal to of strengthening the bonds that the two countries share. This year the leading theme is “Towards Global Awareness: Everyday Impact through Interactive Empowerment.” There are also will be many roundtable groups that will to discuss particular issues concerning the theme. Some will focus on education. The roundtable at in which Jose was asked to take part in is will focus on international development. The program includes an introduction in Seattle and then a 4 week stay in Japan. There, Jose and other college students will explore Japan’s intricate culture while discussing the pertinent political and economic issues between both the US and Japan. He looks forward to representing GW and his country during this experience. JASC's alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger and former Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa.

Andrew Gomella (JAPN002) has been selected to be among the 16 students to attend the Summer Nanotechnology Study Program in Japan this summer. The NanoJapan program is organized by Rice University in Houston. Selected students will be responsible for a $750 program fee but due to NSF-PIRE funding they will also receive a stipend of up to $3,500 that can be used towards their international airfare, lodging, and meal expenses during their International Research Experience. Andrew will spend the entire summer in Japan and is very excited about it! There is a two week orientation program in Tokyo then the participants each go to their assigned universities/research facilities. There is also a few days in the middle that they spend in Kyoto, and then at the end they attend a research symposium at Rice. Andrew will be taking language classes as well as working in a research lab. nanojapan.rice.edu

Richard Ashman (JAPN004) won the "Videtto Award" for study abroad; the award is USD $10,000 and was donated by a GW family. The money cannot go towards tuition, but can be used for personal expenses such as airfare. Richard’s plan is to spend a year in Japan studying at Waseda University in the School of International Liberal Studies, taking mostly business-related courses and Japanese language courses. He plans to use some of the money to visit his cousin who is studying at Osaka University. How nice!

Margie

Just want to note that one of our Japanese majors (2008) was recently accepted into the PhD program at UC Berkeley and Yale University for Japanese Literature. Marjorie Burge did excellent research at a level that rivals what I did as a graduate student in premodern Japanese Literature when she studied with me last year. She had spent a semester in Korea and a year in Japan and was researching classical documents that she believed provides linguistic clues to the close relationship between Paekche (Korea) and Japan. She maintained high standards throughout her academic career here that got her recognized by GW for Outstanding Achievement. She was nominated as a Distinguished Scholar (ESIA) and recognized as a member of what Vice President Lehman referred to as the "2% Club", the top two percent at GW. [photo]

Congratulations Margi.