IAP in Ancient and Modern Japan offers MIT students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit some of the most important sites connected to key events in Japanese history and to experience, in person, the legacies of the complex and dramatic forces that have shaped the country during the past two millennia.

Over the course of 15 days, students will be based in three major metropolitan areas: Tokyo (Japan’s political capital since 1603 and the world’s largest city), the Kyoto-Nara region (the site of Japan’s ancient and medieval capitals), and Hiroshima (the site of the first atomic bombing in history). In each of these areas, students will visit major historical sites that bear witness to past events and continue to shape Japan today (such as the Imperial Palace and the National Diet in Tokyo), museums and archives that preserve historical documents and objects (including the over-1200-years-old imperial storehouse in Nara), and interact with Japanese individuals who are personally connected to major historical events (such as a conversation with an atomic bomb survivor in Hiroshima).

At several points during the trip, students will also receive Japanese-language instruction that is aimed at enhancing their historical exploration in Japan by providing lessons on key vocabulary and linguistic concepts that are connected to their destinations. The trip also includes in-person, multi-day interactions with students at Keio University in Tokyo, with whom the MIT participants will collaborate in processing and articulating the insights they have developed over the course of their trip.

 

Provisional Itinerary:

  • Saturday, January 10: Arrive in Tokyo Japan
  • January 11-14: Tokyo
  • January 15-18: Kyoto/Nara
  • January 19-21: Hiroshima
  • January 22-25: Tokyo
  • Monday, January 26: Depart from Japan

 

Eligibility:

While all registered MIT students are eligible to apply, priority for participation will be offered to students who demonstrate promise for significant engagement with MIT’s Japan studies curriculum and programs, including the Japanese concentration/minor, History concentration/minor (with a focus on Japan), and the MIT-Japan Program (MISTI).

 

Application Process:

Key Dates:

  • Tuesday, September 2: Application Opens
  • Monday, September 15 from 12-1 pm: Info Session (Located in 14E-304 – Same building as Hayden Library)
  • Friday, October 3: Application Deadline
  • Monday, October 20: Applicants Notified of Acceptance
  • Monday, November 3: Initial $250 Deposit of Student Fee Due
  • Monday, November 17: Remaining Balance of Student Fee Due
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions: Two pre-departure sessions will be scheduled for accpted students. These sessions are mandatory.

 

Visa:

In addition to passport, students from countries that are not part of reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan will need to apply for visa from the Japanese consulate in Boston. You can see the list of countries that currently have visa exemption arrangements with Japan here: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

 

Accommodations:

Local accommodations will be arranged by the IAP in Ancient and Modern Japan program.

 

Program Expenses and Fees:

The IAP in Ancient and Modern Japan program will cover a significant portion of the expenses for this trip, including roundtrip airfare between Boston to Tokyo, group transportation within Japan, hotel accommodations, museum fees, and group meals. The program fee is $1000 per student. This amount will be pro-rated based on the financial needs of the student. Thus, a student receiving 100% financial aid from MIT will be able to attend the Global Classroom free of cost, while someone receiving 50% financial aid will have a $500 fee.

Students are encouraged to seek further financial assistance through programs such as the Kelly-Douglas Travel Fellowship Program at SHASS.

 

More Info on MITSI portal.

 

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