Program Highlights
- Gain English teaching experience while interning at a Japanese junior high school
- Receive valuable exposure to the Japanese educational system and office culture
- Make an impact by fully immersing in the community, assisting in school activities, and participating in local events
- Gain valuable professional experience and career development
Academics
Course of Study
The UNL-Senshu University Matsudo Junior High School Internship was established in 2002 as an opportunity for Japanese students to be exposed to native-English speakers and to develop the Senshu-UNL relationship. Two interns each term experience work-life in a Japanese school and office within the junior high school English Oral Communications (OC) program. Interns interact with students and staff in English, prepare and develop materials for lessons, assist 8th and 9th grade OC classes, and participate in school events including class trips and school festivals.
In addition, Japanese language lessons and Japanese calligraphy lessons are offered as part of the interns' weekly schedule. Senmatsu also sponsors a one week excursion to Kyoto (or another location of students choice) where interns can explore the historically and culturally rich ancient capital of Japan. Finally, students get a chance to stay with a Japanese family to experience family life in Japan.
Course Credit
UNL students selected for the program register through MyRed for two, online internship courses GLST 395 section 1 and 2 (3 credit hours each) through Global Studies program. To maintain full-time student status (12 credit hours for the semester) and remain eligible for scholarships and other forms of financial aid, interns are encouraged to arrange and take additional online courses from UNL during the internship. Students must visit with their academic adviser and a Scholarships and Financial Aid Specialist for details.
Eligibility
UNL students with at least sophomore standing and a GPA at/above 3.0 are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to Global Studies, Anthropology, and Geography majors and minors. No Japanese language ability is required to participate; in fact, interns are asked not to speak Japanese with the students. On-campus Japanese language tutoring is available (approximately 2 hours/week).
Program Contacts
This program requires two applications:
1. UNL MyWorld application (click "Apply Now" above)
2. An application directly to the school. To receive the application for the school contact Emira Ibrahimpasic, Assistant Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of Global Studies at emira@unl.edu or at 402-472-2150.
Location
Founded in 2000, Senshu University Matsudo (Senmatsu) Junior High School is part of a campus that included Senmatsu Senior High and Senmatsu Kindergarten. Senshu University Matsudo Junior High School is located in the city of Matsudo, a quiet suburb just east of Tokyo. The intern's neighborhood in Matsudo is residential and their fully furnished efficiency apartments are a 10 minute walk from a large grocery store and fifteen minutes from Senmatsu's campus. Interns are also able to make use of the large public park and other local stores which are also within walking distance. Using a local train station, most popular spots in Tokyo are on average a mere thirty minutes away. This allows interns access to the cultural, historical and entertainment destinations of Japan's capital.
Accommodations and Other Arrangements
Travel arrangements to Japan are made by the accepted internship participants. Upon arrival and submission of receipt of airfare, full cash reimbursement in Japanese yen will follow.
Each intern is provided with a fully-furnished, single-occupancy apartment located a short walk from the school campus in Matsudo City. A budget for food and personal expenses during the internship of at least $4,700 is recommended.
Interns are able to participate on a Cultural Activities visa. This visa is issued to persons engaging in academic activities that provide no income. The visa application process is facilitated by staff at Senmatsu. Interns are expected to arrive fully insured, and will be enrolled in required UNL HTH international student health and safety insurance.
Budget
See the Financial page on the Education Abroad website.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Please see the Education Abroad website for detailed information about financial aid and scholarships.
Additional Resources
Below you will find links to resources for travel, health, and safety:
Center for Disease Control
US Department of State
Japanese Embassy
*UNL Education Abroad does not officially endorse, administer, or monitor the content of these links.
