June 7-20, 2009

Tokyo, Japan

Student Application
Faculty Recommendation Form

Purpose

The Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust, with Dr. Kenji Tanaka as its Honorary Chairman, have invited students and faculty members from the United States, England, and New Zealand to participate in Technos International Week. Technos is actually a two-week program meant to encourage cultural understanding between the program's guest participants, and the students and faculty members at Technos International College, Tokyo, Japan--a college funded by Dr. Tanaka. Interaction between the two groups creates a valuable forum for exchanging ideas and worldviews. In addition to spending time at the Technos campus, the group tours many sites and neighborhoods in Tokyo and the surrounding areas.

Once back in Northfield, Technos participants share their stories and insights about their experiences in Japan with the Carleton community. Some student alumni of the program have later returned to Japan. Several, for example, have participated in the JET program, which sends graduates to teach English in Japan, and others have studied Japanese language and culture further. But all Technos participants attest to having had an experience that forever enriches their view of Japanese life and culture. First- and second-year students, and faculty members apply for this program each winter. Demonstrated interest in Japan and Japanese culture is an important selection criterion, but knowledge of the language is not required.

This is an opportunity for two Carleton students interested in Japanese culture and society to spend two weeks in Japan as guests of Technos College. Along with students from several other American colleges, they will attend a few classes at Technos, spend time getting to know Japanese students, and experience many facets of contemporary and historical Japanese life.

The objective of Technos International Week is to provide a greater understanding of Japanese society and to encourage cross-cultural communication between American and Japanese students.

Funding

The costs of domestic transportation, accommodations and, to a limited extent, group meals in Japan will be met by Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust. International travel expenses, including flights to and from Japan, and associated costs such as travel insurance, taxes, and fees outside Japan, as well as all personal expenses, including meals not provided on a group basis, shall be paid by Carleton College or the individual participants. While Technos provides all housing and most food costs, students have found it helpful to bring additional money for gifts and incidentals.

Eligibility

All applicants must be in good academic standing

• First- and second-year students
• Passport (contact Off-Campus Studies Office for details)
• Up-to-date immunizations

Selection Criteria

• A genuine interest in Japan, its people, culture, and history.
• An excellent academic record.
• A willingness to meet people from different cultural backgrounds and experience aspects of Japanese culture.
• No previous travel experience to Japan.
• The program is rigorous, so a certain amount of physical stamina is required.
• Citizenship of the United States.
• Knowledge of Japanese language is not required.

Overall, we want students who will not only benefit personally and academically from the experience, but whose comportment will reflect well on both Carleton and the United States.

Application Process

The following should be sent to Elizabeth Ciner, Associate Dean of the College, Laird 131:

• An application can be downloaded here, or picked up in the Associate Dean of the College Office, Laird 131.
  
• Two faculty recommendations (faculty may email these to Karen Moldenhauer, kmoldenh)
• Unofficial transcript

Deadline

Friday, January 30, 2009, by 5:00 p.m., Associate Dean of the College Office, Laird 131.

Interviews

5 - 6 Finalists will be interviewed on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, from 6:00-8 p.m.

Faculty Advisers

• 2009: Constance Walker, Professor of English, x4314, Laird Hall 203
• 2007: Carol Donelan, Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Studies, x5779, Scoville Hall 201
• 2006: Harry Williams, Professor of History, x5241, Leighton Hall 212
• 2005: Eva Posfay, Professor of French, x4244, Language and Dining Center 353

Past Student Participants

• 2009:  Kathryn Deeg and Samuel Scherf
• 2007: (n/a)
• 2006: William Morrison and Zoe Schwartz
• 2005: George Kachergis and Maria Prom
• 2004: Kelly Monroy and Alisa Sanchez
• 2003: Andrew Lum and Vatesha Perry