University of Michigan-Flint

Location: Japan & Taiwan

Program Dates: May 11 – June 1, 2013

International and Global Studies Program

Course Overview

This course provides students an opportunity to learn about business and the cultures of Japan and Taiwan in an intense and affordable study abroad course. The students will experience firsthand the economic system and business practices and opportunities, management styles in both countries. Students will have a chance to communicate and exchange ideas with Taiwanese and Japanese students and local/domestic economics and business professionals. The course and trip, furthermore, aims to enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and their appreciation of the cultural diversity of the world. The trip is timely and appropriate as we observe the dynamics of globalization.

Country Profile

Japan: Whatever image you have of Japan, it's probably accurate, because it's all there. But you may also have some misconceptions about Japan. For example, many people believe that Japan is one of the world's most expensive countries. In fact, it's cheaper to travel in Japan than in much of North America, Western Europe and parts of Oceania. Others think that Japan is impenetrable or even downright difficult. The fact is, Japan is one of the easiest countries in which to travel. It is, simply put, a place that will remind you why you started travelling in the first place. If traditional culture is your thing, you can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging yourself on temples, shrines, kabuki, o (stylized dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. If modern culture and technology is your thing, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés and fabulous restaurants. Outside the cities, you'll find natural wonders the length and breadth of the archipelago. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough natural wonders to compete with its cultural treasures. Then there's the food: whether it's impossibly fresh sushi in Tokyo, perfectly battered tempura in Kyoto, or a hearty bowl of ramen in Osaka, if you like eating you're going to love Japan.

Taiwan: Ilha Formosa —Beautiful Island. This is what a group of Portuguese sailors, said to have been the first Westerners to lay eyes on the island, uttered upon seeing Taiwan for the first time. We imagine they must have been pretty enamored. While not every Westerner has the same love-at-first-sight reaction to Taiwan, our Portuguese seafaring friends were just the first of many. With the lush mountains of Wulai, pulsating cities like Taipei, the stunning basalt cliffs of Penghu , excellent hiking in Taroko Gorge, not to mention some of the world’s best hot springs (we especially like the Taian Hot Springs), Taiwan cuts a figure as one of the most diverse destinations in Asia.

Excerpts about Japan & Taiwan from Lonely Planet.

Faculty

The program will be led by Dr. Jacob Peng and Dr. Gregory Laurence, professors from the School of Management.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

• All undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply
• All majors are eligible to apply
• Guest students are eligible to apply
• No GPA requirements

Course Registration

This is a 3-credit course being offered in the Spring 2013 term. Students are required to register for one of the following courses:

• INT 394 – Special Topic in Study Abroad (undergraduate)
• INT 594 – Special Topic in Study Abroad (graduate)
• BUS 480 – Special Topics in International Business Study Abroad (undergraduate)
• MGT 580 – Special Topics in International Business Study Abroad (graduate)

Payments & Costs

The additional cost of this program is $3,300*. This includes:

• Housing
• Some meals
• Health insurance
• Cultural activities
• Transportation in Japan and Taiwan

There is a $300 enrollment deposit required at the time of application. Students are required to submit full payment of program fee by March 15, 2013. Scholarships are available for this program.

Not included in the program fee: Tuition charges, airfare to Taiwan, airfare between Taiwan and Japan, visa, passport.

Deadlines

Cancellations & Refunds

Students who withdraw on or before February 22, 2013 are eligible to receive $200 from the enrollment deposit. Any withdrawals must be done in writing and submitted to the Office of Study Abroad. There will be no refunds after February 22, 2013. Students who withdraw after February 22, 2013 will be responsible for paying the full program fee.

Scholarship Eligibility Information

• Students must be accepted into a UM-Flint faculty-led program.
• Students must be full-time UM-Flints undergraduate or graduate students at the time of the application.
• Students must have completed a minimum of 24 undergraduate credit hours, or 9 graduate credit hours at UM-Flint at the time of submitting application.
• Students must have a 3.0 GPA for undergraduates and 5.0 GPA for graduates at the time of submitting application.
• Students must register for the course associated with the program.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Friday, January 18, 2013. Application can be downloaded at http://www.umflint.edu/international/studyabroad/forstudents/financialinformation/SAScholarships.htm .

*Program fee is subject to change based on currency exchange rates.

Apply Now

Program Website: http://japantaiwan2013.wordpress.com/

Program Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/DrJacobPeng