Program Focus

The focus of this abroad is a study of modern Japan with an emphasis on culture, history, language, and contemporary society.  In particular, students will focus on the key events and forces that have shaped Japan’s history and culture and define its society today.  In essence, this abroad offers a cross-disciplinary study of Japanese society, --its traditions, present-day characteristics, and future changes.

Program Staff

This program will be directed by Linda A. Bohaker, associate professor of business administration at Principia College.  Professor Bohaker holds two masters degrees: one in international business and one in Japanese studies.  She has studied Japanese language and culture extensively, and she has lived, studied, and worked in Japan.  She served as adjunct faculty on Principia’s Hawaii field program during December, 1997, and as the program director of the 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004 Principia abroad programs to Japan.  Professor Bohaker is a life-long, class-taught Christian Scientist.

Dan Schneider will also accompany the group to Japan as the program resident counselor. Dan was a student on the first Japan Abroad in 1998, and after graduating from Principia College in 2001 he taught english in Japan for one year on the JET program. He currently manages a branch of U.S. Bank in St. Louis. Dan is a life-long, class-taught Christian Scientist.

Preliminary Itinerary

This program will last nine and one-half weeks.
It will begin September 8th and conclude on November14th.  
The group will spend the initial two and one-half weeks residing
together on campus.  While on campus, students will obtain
background on Japanese society, history, and culture by
reading several books and doing preliminary research.  Students
will also begin their study of the Japanese language by taking
instruction from Professor Bohaker. This course will enable the students to know basic phrases and the two basic Japanese alphabets (hiragana and katakana) before arriving in Japan. This introduction will provide a basis for continued language training in Kyoto.