Dates have been confirmed now as:

Japanese students and faculty to Canada:  March 6 – 19, 2009

Canadian students and faculty to Japan:  May 11 – 25, 2009

If you’re interested in seeing the town of Obama, Japan, the answer is: yes, we can.  It’s about two hours outside of Osaka, easily accessible by train.

Looks like a nice place.  A bit strange, but nice.

It is pervasive.  The article mentions cartoon mascots for the Japanese armed forces.  Here they are (images from the Ministry of Defense site and YouTube channel…)

See also the Japan Ministry of Defense page in Japanese and English.  Clearly designed for two different target audiences.

Students from last year’s exchange are eager to share their experiences.  As Rajati Bakshi (CCIT) noted, the exchange is…”a Surrealistic experience, when you can’t decipher what road you’re walking on or which restaurant you’re entering. Japan is really where Asia meets America and the product is something that’s out of this world. I would encourage anyone for whom its possible to attend this exchange as its definitely an eye-opener.”

With photos like this, I’m not surprised.

N.B.  The scholarship is for one month exchanges or longer – while the Japan exchange is only two weeks, it does involve two weeks of homestay on our end.  I’m not sure if they count that – but it might be worth applying all the same arguing that it should.  Your time hosting a OECU student will be as educational as visiting Japan in the end.

Sheridan students can learn more about this scholarship and retrieve the application here.  The information is also appended below.

UTM students can access information about the same scholarship here.

Ontario International Education Opportunity Scholarship
Eligible Program: Open
Year: All
Award Amount: Between $1,250.00 – $2,500.00\
Deadline: November 17 / 08
Eligibility Criteria:

Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada or Protected Persons

Students in good academic standing at Sheridan

Students must demonstrate financial need

Funding will be awarded to students for academic study, coop placement recognized by Sheridan as part of their academic study or coop placement for at least 1 month but less then 2 months in duration OR at least 2 months or more

Student is only eligible to recieve one O.I.E.O.S. award over the course of their academic career

Essay requirement: Typed 500 words “Explain what it means to you to have this opportunity to travel abroad while pursuing your academic career. Please address any challenges you have experienced during this endeavour and your future goals as they relate to this experience.”

Any questions or comments can be sent to Michael Jones (michael.jones5@sheridanc.on.ca).