Japan Winter 2025 (January 4-14, 2025)
Explore the rich and well-preserved cultural heritage of Japan through the shrines, temples, gardens, and brightly lit streets. Your visit to Japan will start in Kyoto, home to a rich history, including centuries-old temples and sleek modern architecture. You will visit Kinkakuji, the iconic Golden Pavilion. You will also take day-trips to the Nara Deer Park, Osaka and Okayama. You will move to Tokyo for the second part of your program where you will visit the Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku neighborhoods. You will visit Akihabara and will get to see a Sumo show. You will visit Mt. Fuji and will have a free day at the end of your tour.
Cost: $ 3,006 per person, does not include flight to-from Japan, class fees for Global Studies 35, lunch and dinner most days. Breakfast is included most days. Please share with your friends and family!
Waitlist as of August 30, 2024.
Course Descriptions
Global Studies 35 - Field Studies Abroad - Japan- 1 unit
On this field study, students will discover the beautiful city of Tokyo and Kyoto. Students will learn about the history and cultural traditions and explore locations of unique interest.
Faculty Biography
Professor George Davidson's first trip abroad was to Japan, many years ago. Since
then, he's been to over 40 countries, but has always found himself drawn back to Japan
because of things you'll find out about if you go on this study abroad program. He
received his MA in Literature from Cal State Long Beach (spending a year studying
abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo) and his BA in Psychology with a minor in Japanese
Studies from the University of Arizona. In case you were wondering, yes, he speaks
Japanese. Like you, he started his collegiate journey at a community college. When
he's not reading books or grading papers, he's out in the world chasing the Milky
Way and beautiful sunsets. Fun Facts: he drinks a lot if iced tea, played volleyball
in college, did an Ironman triathlon, built a house out of earth, road tripped through
Kyrgyzstan, Siberia and Mongolia.
Program Details
Program Cost
| Expense Type | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Fee Accomodations, some ground transportation, cultural excursions, some meals in the country and mandatory iNext travel insurance. |
$3,006* *Airfare not included. Students will purchase their airfare separately. |
Program fee: $3,006 Bring (check or money order), passport, & mandatory forms to the International Education Center. Checks should be made payable to: Santa Monica College Student Services Center 3rd Floor |
|
Airfare |
$1,200-$2,500 |
|
|
Tuition for 1-Unit Course |
$46 Resident Tuition $374 Non-Resident Tuition |
International Education Center will register you for the class before program departure. You must pay tuition before departure. |
|
Meals |
$250 (Estimate) |
There are many lower end and higher end options for meals in Japan. This estimate is based on less expensive choices. |
|
Total Estimated Costs |
$5,576 |
Costs will go down if the trip has 21-24 students participating. |
Additional Costs
| expense type | cost | deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Personal Spending Money |
|
Money for buying souvenirs, doing activities not featured in the program itinerary, etc. |
| Airport Transportation |
$120 |
Rideshare, taxi, etc. |
|
Passport |
$145 (U.S. Passport fee) |
Please allow up to 6 weeks for processing of a new passport. |
Learn how you can lower your cost to study abroad by applying for scholarships.
This program is on a first come, first served basis. There are 24 spots available. Once you complete your application, you secure your spot by submitting full payment. Your final acceptance into the program will be based on your ability to provide proof of your airline ticket by the deadline.
Payment Options for the Japan Program
Personal checks, Cashiers checks, Money Orders - No cash or credit cards.
Dates to Remember
| Title | Dates | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Informational Sessions |
Thursday, August 1 at 11:15am Tuesday, August 6 at 5pm Thursday, August 29 at 11:15am in-person room HSS 165 Tuesday, September 17 at 5pm |
Meeting ID: 823 7576 2871 Passcode: 738078 |
|
Application Deadlines and Payments |
October 2, 2024 |
Complete your application and pay full cost to reserve space. Bring (check or money order), passport, & mandatory forms to International Education Center. Check payable to: Santa Monica College Students Services Center 3rd floor |
|
Mandatory Forms |
Overseas Release Form and Medical Release Form due at time of first deposit. Passport is due at time of first deposit. |
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a current SMC student and take the offered courses. If you are not currently an SMC student, you may apply online
- All participants must be 18 years old by November 16, 2024.
- Have a valid passport by November 20, 2024.
- U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel Japan. If you are a permanent resident or SMC F-1 visa student, please contact the Consulate of Japan to see if you need a visa.
- Pay all program fees and tuition by the deadline. If you are a financial aid recipient, check with the Financial Aid office about using financial aid to your tuition and fees.
For additional questions, please email: studyabroad@smc.edu