Students can travel to Japan during the summer with a new study-abroad opportunity led by an art history professor on campus.
Professor Lydia Etman is taking her Asian Art History class to Japan. This three unit class runs during a 4-week summer session and will culminate in a study abroad trip.
“You can only gain from learning from a different culture no matter what,” Etman said. “Regardless that it’s Japan and it’s so different, any trip to a foreign country is a chance for extreme growth and to just extend their horizons.”
The trip will be hosted by Education First College Study Tours and will be led by Etman. Enrollment in the class is not required to take advantage of this opportunity, so those who are interested can sign up directly through Education First. Prospective students that need to take a general education course in the arts or simply wish to broaden their horizons over the summer can register for the trip. This will be the second summer in recent years that Moorpark College professors have hosted study abroad opportunities, Etman said.
The Asian Art History class (ARTH M14) examines the art and culture of India, China and Japan. It is a 4 week course that begins May 21 and ends June 14. Instead of a final, students will travel to Japan from June 6 to the 14. The trip will take students from Osaka to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo over 11 days, according to the program website.
For those under 30-years-old, the trip will cost $4,260 or three monthly payments of $1,389. Those over 30 years old will be charged $4,575 or three monthly payments of $1,494. Students under 30-years-old are typically placed in quadruple or triple rooms as opposed to double rooms, hence the difference in price.
Students have until March 1 to enroll without being charged late fees. Etman suggests that students in need should apply for scholarships or raise money from family and friends.
“An option that I think is extremely clever is Trip Fund,” said Etman. “So when you sign up you can also open an account with them, so your family and friends who might give you gifts,… you could ask them to contribute to your trip instead.”
The trip is being planned in conjunction with Philosophy professor Jerry Caplan. He will also be going on the tour with some of his students, however they won’t be going as part of a class. This trip offers an opportunity for his students to learn first-hand how eastern philosophies have manifested in Japanese art and culture, he said.
“Any teacher I’ve talked to who has been on a study abroad trip has told me that it has been tremendous growth for the students,” said Etman. “While you’re there you are noticing this maturity. You are just noticing them grow, being more responsible, more open.”
Students interested in learning more can contact Etman at [email protected] or visit the Facebook page @MCJapan2018. Go to the EF website to learn more.
