Intrax Deadlines

Japanese Manga
Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo, Japan

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Join Intrax Study Abroad for 21 days on the first high school program to Japan that focuses on Manga and Anime! Our Manga program is unique because we split our academic time between Japanese language classes and expert manga drawing workshops. Our group will be made up of students who are not only interested in Manga, but want to learn this fine art from trained Japanese professionals. We encourage applicants who have a strong background in drawing, and at least a semester of Japanese. This exclusive program allows you to fully explore Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, the three cities where Japanese pop culture was born.

Learn

In Osaka, intensive drawing classes are taught by professional artists who specialize in Manga. Manga classes are taught in Japanese -- but don't worry there will be professional English translation if you need support. Your final product will be a 4 frame Manga project that you can use for your portfolio. Japanese language classes take place each morning, Monday - Friday for 3 hours per day. Your instructors are bilingual, certified teachers of Japanese and they are committed to supporting you in your learning. In Tokyo you'll continue your language classes in the morning, and enjoy afternoon field visits to learn more about Japanese culture and art.

Experience

In Osaka you'll visit the museum dedicated to Tezuka Osamu, often credited as the "Father of Japanese Anime," and the creator of Astro Boy, the first Japanese animated series to make it big in the United States. Your parents may remember watching this cartoon growing up. The museum is located in his home town of Takarazuka which is said to have inspired many of his works. Weekends in Osaka are set aside to explore the city and we'll also take a day trip to Kyoto.

Our trip to Tokyo will be aboard the Shinkansen Train, the amazing high speed train that travels at speeds of up to 186 mph. The trip from Osaka to Tokyo will take us less than 3 hours!

In Tokyo you'll experience a sampling of traditional and modern Japanese culture through organized activities. Guided activities include a visit to Akihabara, the center of Manga and Anime culture. This area of Tokyo is famous for cafés where the employees dress up as some of the more well-known Anime characters. A visit to the Edo museum will offer you a glimpse into the humble beginnings of Tokyo and help bring a historical perspective to the program.

This program not only focuses on immersing you in the world of Manga drawing and animation, but teaches you how Anime and Manga are integral parts of Japanese culture.

Travel

The weekends are set aside to explore the vibrant heritage and countryside of Japan. All excursions are guided and chaperoned and include:

• Kyoto: Once the residence of emperors and samurai, Kyoto is one of the few cities in Japan that was spared from air raids in World War II. The historic shrines and temples transport you back to another era.
• Kamakura: You will visit the town of Kamakura, outside of Tokyo. This town is famous for its magnificent temples, shrines and gardens.

Housing

In Osaka, students will stay at the Osaka Youth Hostel in dormitory style rooms with 6 students to a room. Students will take the train each day to get to their language and drawing classes at the Human Academy. In Tokyo, students will stay at the Sakura Hotel in 4 person rooms. On-Site Coordinators will stay with the students and accompany them to class each day. A 9 PM curfew for the facilities will be observed.

Program Information

Requirements

• 15-18 years old at the time of program departure
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
• Basic Japanese language proficiency
• Drawing experience - teacher recommendation

Program includes:

• Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Accommodation at the Osaka Youth Hostel and in Tokyo at Sakura Hotel (Breakfast and dinner 7 days per week). In Tokyo you will receive a stipend for dinner.
• Japanese language instruction three hours per day, Monday through Friday
• Drawing lessons 2 hours per day
• Excursions, including lunch, to Kamakura and Kyoto
• Afternoon activities
• Student health and accident insurance
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Pre-departure and in-country orientations
• Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program including an Intrax On-Site Coordinator
• Intrax T-Shirt ( girls | boys )

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