USA Summer Camp (Japan)
INTRDISP 399 (internship) or non-credit; no Japanese language skills required
early July through mid-/late August
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Camp Counselor and Cultural Immersion Experience in Japan
USA Summer Camp is an English language camp for Japanese students, kindergarten-age through college. Each summer Guy Healy, Japan, an education consulting and exchange agency based in Nagasaki and Fukuoka, Japan, recruits over 120 qualified high school and college students from the United States to work as "American camp counselors" (AC's) in Japan as part of the USA Summer Camp program. The AC's stay in Japan for six to seven weeks, depending on the assignment. During this period, AC's work with Japanese students on a variety of English language skills and participate in recreation activities, have meals together and interact through a variety of social activities. When AC's are not working, they spend part of their stay with Japanese host families - the best way to get to know the Japanese culture!
Guy Healy, Japan pays for all of the ACs' expenses (other than shopping, personal trips, and the like - of course). In return, ACs typically work 9 camp sessions of 3 days each.
USA Summer Camp typically runs in about seven different locations. The original Nagasaki team continues to run independently and is not supported by JTB (Japan Travel Bureau). The other five to six teams are supported by JTB and are located in: Tokyo (2), Osaka, Nagoya, Kita Kyushu, and Kumamoto.
Our Partner - Guy Healy, Japan
UW Oshkosh has been working with Guy Healy, Japan on international programming for over 20 years. UW Oshkosh has hosted Japanese students on Guy Healy, Japan programs and has been sending UW Oshkosh students as camp counselors to USA Summer Camp since 2001.
Guy Healy, Japan, together with Japan Travel Bureau (JTB), operate USA Summer Camp. The role of the UW Oshkosh OIE is to identify select students to participate as camp counselors for the program and to make recommendations to Guy Healy, Japan.
Testimonial
Studying abroad has been a defining expeience in my life. I've always been interested in traveling, but being able to completely dive into a new - and sometimes frightening - experience has challenged and enlightened me more than I could have ever hoped. I feel that not only have I become more culturally competent, but I also have the tools to do anything and go anywhere in my life. I can't imagine my college experience without my experience in Japan.
Erin Rammer, 2007
All of the information included here is subject to change. Modifications may be required depending on the exigencies of the situation.
Course(s)
Required Pre-travel Session
All applicants must attend both the family orientation and the USA Summer Camp-specific pre-travel session. The camp-specific orientation will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 2:00-4:30 (location t.b.a.).
Optional Course
Interdisciplinary Studies 399 (1-3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies 399 is an internship course run through the College of Letters & Science. The course is open to all UW Oshkosh students volunteering as USA Summer Camp counselors but is not required. Tuition is waived while participating on a UW Oshkosh-sponsored study abroad program such as this one. Interested students may contact Chrissy Lambie in Career Services for more information (920-424-2044).
Accommodation & Meals
Camp facilities for each team vary from place to place. Different camp facilities include government-owned recreational facilities on mountain-tops (very secluded), a Japanese-style hotel, a sports and communication center, and independent campgrounds. Some teams will generally stay in one facility, while others will travel to many different facilities throughout the summer to run different programs. Although the locations vary from team to team, the USA Summer Camp program remains the same.
When AC's are not working, they spend part of their stay with Japanese host families - the best way to get to know the Japanese culture! In some cases, AC's may also spend part of their stay in hostels/hotels.
Schedule
Each team typically runs 8-9 three-day camp sessions throughout the duration of the summer.
Flight
Luggage Limits
Check with your airline for restrictions on carry-on, checked and excess baggage.
Money
Carry approximately ¥6,000 - ¥12,500 (about 50-100 US$) in cash just in case you are unable to exchange money upon arrival. You can exchange this in the international airport in the U.S. BEFORE you fly.
Flight
Guy Healy, Japan purchases airline tickets for camp counselors. Tickets won't be paid for until approximately two weeks before travel; expect to receive your flight information and ticket just prior to traveling.
Arrival Abroad
A greeter carrying a sign which says “USA Summer Camp” will be waiting for you as you exit customs in Narita airport. The greeter will help you check in for your connecting flight. You will be met by staff from Guy Healy, Japan when you arrive at your final destination airport. You may spend the first night in a hotel. In this case, the following day everyone will go by bus to the camp facilities for the USA Summer Camp orientation.
Fees
| Program Fee Estimate | |
$146° |
Estimated program fee for summer 2009 |
| Expenses in U.S. Dollars | |
$100 |
Application Fee ($200 for out-of-state applicants) |
$100 |
Passport & Pictures |
$0 |
Airfare (covered by Guy Healy, Japan) |
varies |
Immunizations |
-$50 |
Refund to eligible participants |
$150 |
Total Pre-travel Expense Estimate (plus immunizations) |
| Expenses in Foreign Currency | |
¥0 |
Meals (meals are covered) |
¥2,000 |
Local Transportation (during your free time) |
¥12,500 |
Personal Spending Money (¥12,500 - ¥37,500) |
¥14,500 |
Total Expense Estimate while Abroad |
$130 |
Total in U.S. Dollars as of 8/18/08 (today's rate of exchange) |
$426 |
Total Estimated Expenses |
°Indicates the expense will appear on your UW Oshkosh student account.
Apply
Eligibility
Apply early!Qualified applicants will be accepted into the program as they complete applications and interviews.
The OIE will stop taking applications for 2009 once all program seats have filled.
USA Summer Camp applications will be accepted from UW Oshkosh and UW Platteville students only; students who graduate from university in December or May of the academic year prior to USA Summer Camp are also eligible. We do not accept applications from students or graduates of any other universities or high schools.
USA Summer Camp is conducted in English. Although many people at camp (including the students) will be speaking Japanese, Japanese language ability is not required to apply to this program.
USA Summer Camp is designed to be an exciting place for students to use English in a casual, relaxed environment. Counselors do not teach the English language. Instead, they lead groups of Japanese students through activities using English as the means of communication. Qualified applicants generally:
- have prior experience working, volunteering or spending time with children (activities may include experience as a camp counselor, tutoring, youth group activities or any other activity involving children);
- are enthusiastic about spending time with children and have a very high level of energy (while at camp, counselors spend 24 hours/day with their children--eating, sleeping, playing, and spending "free" time together is a must!);
- can speak fluent, conversational English at a pace and using vocabulary which would be understandable by Japanese students;
- have studied a foreign language and understand the difficulties involved in communicating in a foreign language;
- can show that the experience will benefit them personally or professionally;
- have a G.P.A. of 2.8 or higher; and
- be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants who are invited to interview will be interviewed at UW Oshkosh and those who are selected to participate must attend a mandatory orientation at UW Oshkosh. If you cannot travel to UW Oshkosh for an interview and orientation, do not apply.
| ADDITIONAL documents required for this program. Due by the application deadline: |
|
| On-line USA Summer Camp application Print two copies of your completed application; these must be attached to your recommendation forms BEFORE submitting them to your references. |
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| Counselor Agreement | |
| Recommendations (minimum of 2) In addition to the recommendation forms you submit, you may also choose to include a list of references with your application (name, title, organization and phone number). Recommendations and references MUST support information related to your experience with children provided on your on-line application. |
|
Selection Process
The UW Oshkosh OIE will select students who meet the minimum eligibility requirements to USA Summer camp on a first-come, first-served basis. The OIE then makes a recommendation to Guy Healy Japan, which contacts makes the final selection decision. Not all recommended applicants are selected to participate.
Applicants who receive a contract from Guy Healy, Japan have a limited time period during which they can either accept or decline the contract. If you miss the deadline, you forfit your place on the program. All further arrangements related to participation are coordinated by Guy Healy, Japan.
Resources
Office of International Education Orientation Materials
Emergency Contact (during program dates)
In a life and death emergency ABROAD
U.S. Department of State Citizen Emergency Center: 1 (202) 647-5225
The Department of State will relay messages to the Embassy in the country in which program participants are traveling. Embassy personnel will try to locate your student, pass on urgent messages and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back.
To reach your student directly
Use the phone/fax information given to you by your student or, if your student is staying in a hotel, use the hotel contact information listed on the web page for your student's program.
The Office of International Education cannot give out homestay phone numbers unless authorized in advance by the student, but we would be happy to try to contact your student for you in an emergency.
To reach someone at UW Oshkosh during office hours (7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F)
- Office of International Education Phone: 1 (920) 424-0775
- Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor Phone: 1 (920) 424-1410
- Office of the Provost & Vice Chancellor Phone: 1 (920) 424-0300
- Office of International Education Fax: 1 (920) 424-0185
- Dr. William Baurecht: Coordinator, National Student Exchange - baurecht@uwosh.edu
- Jenna Graff: Director, Office of International Education - graff@uwosh.edu
- Becky Triatik : Front Line Advisor - triatikr@uwosh.edu
- Brian Mylrea: International Student Advisor - mylreab@uwosh.edu
- Karlin Stukenberg: Program Manager - stukenbk@uwosh.edu
To reach someone at UW Oshkosh outside of normal office hours
University Police: 1 (920) 424-1216
To reach local contacts associated with our program ABROAD
USA Summer Camp Staff Address: 2-7 Kajiya-machi, Nagasaki, Japan 852-8137: Phone: 011- 81-95-826-3877; Fax: 011-81-95-842-8122.
Time Zone Differences
This page was last updated on: September 12, 2008