WHY THIS PROGRAM?
JAPAN WOW FACTORS
• Inside-Out Classroom: Hands on learning in Japan
• Festival Season: Summer coincides with Kyoto festivals
• Intimate Tokyo: Massive city, personalized experience
THE ATHENA TOUCH
What makes this Athena?
• True immersion into the Japanese culture
• No large groups
• Learning outside of the classroom
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS in JAPAN
WHY WE PARTNER WITH HELLENIC STUDIES IN THE ARTS (HISA):
HISA was one of the first schools Athena partnered with when we began, and with good reason. We share the same mission for study abroad – personalized, quality education that starts within the classroom walls and expands into the world.
HISTORY:
Founded in 2000 in Greece, HISA expanded its offerings to include Japan in 2013.
EXPERIENCE:
Class-sizes are minimized to ensure students receive individual attention, and
benefit from a close working relationship with their instructors.
COURSES
General allocation of the courses are as follows:
| COURSES | General % Offered |
|---|---|
ARTS | 50% |
HUMANITIES | 50% |
YUKO YAMAUCHI
On-Site Advisor
Yuko Yamauchi is a graduate of Hokkaido University Medical School in Sapporo, Japan, and a certified occupational therapist. For six years she worked for the Red Cross Hospital in northern Hokkaido. Having earned her degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, she plays an important role in the program both as counselor and coordinator of student affairs. She also oversees the orientation and cultural excursion modules that are so integral to HISA's vision of social and creative immersion.
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHT: Personalized Instruction
This intentionally small, on-the-go program is a true faculty-driven academic and experiential plunge into Japan.
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHT: Inside-Out Classroom
Experience the classroom inside out through hands-on coursework throughout this rich country.
STUDENT LIFE
FIELD TRIPS & EXCURSIONS
Due to the fast-pace of the program, experiential learning is integrated with the academic program. Field trips and excursions are designed to enhance the quality and application of the learning content. Some of these experiential learning components may include:
| In Tokyo, trip/experience examples MAY include: | In Kyoto, trip/experience examples MAY include: |
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EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHT: Festival Season
Why do we have this program in the Summer? Because July is festival season in Kyoto! You’ll get to be there for the Gion Festival, one of Japan’s most famous traditional festivals.
HOUSING
Your authentic Japanese experience continues into your accommodations. The program package includes a shared bedroom in traditional Japanese-style housing (3-4 students per room) located near downtown Kyoto and in a Tokyo apartment (2-4 students per room).
Accommodations are fully furnished and equipped, complete with a living area, bathroom and kitchen.
FAQS
How many students are on the program?
Typically, 6-15 students, per term. The size of the program is kept small so that students get personalized attention from the instructors and advisors.
Will I be able to travel?
The program itself includes travel around the cities!
What is the food like?
Delicious! Traditional Japanese food is available and we encourage you to dive into the food, which is big part of the Japanese culture.
An adventurous eater will be very happy as there are many opportunities to explore dishes that aren’t readily available in many American restaurants.
Vegetarians: Athena’s resident vegetarian gives Japan an 8 out of 10 for being vegetarian friendly!
How do I get to Japan?
You will fly into the Tokyo airport. Do not book travel until you are formally accepted into the program and more travel details are provided.
Do you provide flights?
We have partnered with STA Travel, an incredible student-focused travel agency. The good people there will be able to help all Athena students arrange flights overseas.
Yuko (the on-site advisor) was incredibly helpful. She went completely out of her way to make everyone experience what they wanted to while in Japan...Kyoto was incredibly safe.
Lindsey Bryan
Cleveland Institute of Art
THE CITY
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
What’s Kyoto Like?
Kyoto is incredible to begin with, but the summer is an especially special time. In July, you will get to experience Kyoto during its Gion Festival month, which takes it to a whole other level. The festival gives you a glimpse into the enchanting traditional Japan. If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, or history in general, you won’t want to miss this. While you’re having a traditional meal at one of the many lantern-lit restaurants along the riverside, or exploring the culturally rich neighborhoods, you’ll be gaining an appreciation for the unique treasures Kyoto has to offer.
What’s Tokyo Like?
When one thinks of Japan they usually first think of Tokyo. And for good reason! This city is unlike any other. As one of the largest cities in the world, its ability to merge Japanese pop culture and traditional Japan creates an architectural hybrid city that showcases the ultramodern with neon-lit skyscrapers, and historic with its temples.
From museums, temples, & public gardens, to karaoke bars, fish markets, and the best sushi you’ve ever had, you’re sure to get the full Japan experience in this city
CITY PERKS: You will get to experience some of the most beloved sites of Kyoto, as well as often overlooked destinations. You will get to dive deep into a well rounded understanding of Japanese culture by exploring the temples, gardens, & markets that make up Tokyo, one of the world’s most iconic cities.
WEATHER
In Kyoto:
- WARMEST MONTH: The warmest month is August, the average high temperature is 91.4 °F and the average low temperature is 75.74 °F.
- COLDEST MONTH: The coldest month is January, the average high temperature is 48 °F and the average low temperature is 34 °F
In Tokyo:
- JUNE WEATHER: In June, the average high temperature is 78°F and the average low temperature is 64°F.
- WARMEST MONTH: The warmest month is August, the average high temperature is 87°F and the average low temperature is 73°F.
- COLDEST MONTH: The coldest month is January, the average high temperature is 49°F and the average low temperature is 33°F.
MAP
MORE INFO
Contact information:
For more info, please contact:
General info – hisa@paros-island.com
Yuko Yamauchi – registrar@hisa-studyabroad.com
