ON EAST CONFERENCE NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 by Trinh Quan

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

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ISSUE #1 | DECEMBER 2009

Programs

Finances

Inquiries

 Student Exchange  Woodsworth Summer Abroad Programs  Teaching Abroad  Other Opportunities

 Scholarships  Bursaries  How to finance your trip?

Have questions? There is help:  EASSU  Past Participants  Other Contacts

Our Annual “Explore Asia Through Study & Travel” Conference PURPOSE| GOALS | FORMAT | BENEFITS It is understandable that studying abroad may often be challenging, nerve wrecking, and confusing, especially when it comes to financial limitations and needs. As an undergraduate student, having an abroad experience is valuable, inspiring, and would greatly increase one’s independence. In terms of academics, it also gives the student a chance to learn about different cultures in its native state in which, they would’ve spent years learning about in the classroom and through books. The establishment of the EAST Conference (“Explore Asia through

Study and Travel”) is an innovative and informative event that has been held every year since 2007. It has been a great success every year as many students were inspired, gained knowledge of the application process, of financing the trip, of what to expect from it, how to solve problems if there were any incidents, handle stress, and so on. It is fortunate that we are able to help fellow students solve their problems, interests, and questions.

[BENEFITS] • COSMOPOLITARISM & ENRICHMENT: Widen student’s approaches, views and understanding concerning their field of academic study by actually visiting and studying their country/countries of interest • LANGUAGE SKILLS: Improve language skills due to direct communication with local communities and academics (of the specified country), also an opportunity for students to complete their language credentials for the East Asian Studies Major/Specialist program and Asia Pacific

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

ISSUE #1 | DECEMBER 2009

Studies program. • CULTURAL INTERCHANGE: Student are able to experience a different culture, learn from others and at the same time able to share their culture to those abroad, who may not have the chance of coming to Canada. • NETWORKING: Aiding of social and academic networking • HISTORICAL SITES: Fulfillment from visiting places of significance. I.e. the Whampoa Academy in the Hong Kong Woodsworth Summer Abroad Program

[GOALS] • INFORM: Provide information for students about where to start when planning a trip abroad, how to get transfer credits, etc. • PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES/FUNDING: Providing routes of funding for those financially incapable of studying abroad (i.e. via sponsorship) • PROMOTE CLARITY OF UNDERSTANDING: Promote dismissing doubts or fears that are unnecessary when studying abroad • ENCOURAGE BENEFITS FOR STUDENT: Get students involved in the study abroad programs available to gain the benefits as discussed earlier in

the proposal • DIRECT ENGAGEMENT: Dialogue between alumni and past participants (speakers), a good way to network and find individual routes for studying abroad, and other concerns and issues that may or may not be related to the topic of the seminar. [FORMAT] Separated by sections of major issues and abroad countries: China, Japan, Korea, and Finances. Speakers are past participants and administrative individuals from the programs’ offices.

Praesent pretium lectus a dui.

http://www.utoronto.ca/student.exchange/ International Student Exchange Office Koffler Student Services Centre 214 College Street, Room 202 Toronto, Ontario Canada M5T 2Z9 By email: student.exchange@utoronto.ca By phone: (+1) 416-946-3138 By fax: (+1) 416-978-6110 Within the University of Toronto, there exists a department that specializes in helping students obtain study abroad experiences by offering student exchange programs; in which, through the efforts of individuals in the office, affiliations are established between the institute and universities abroad. In addition, this office, ISXO also offers research opportunities, internships, and scholarship programs. For the purpose of this newsletter, the focus will be on East Asian related programs within the Arts and Sciences Faculty. Due to the limited space here, only brief information would be given, please contact the department personally for complete details and/or join the PORTAL group, “StudyAbroad”.

[Affiliated Institutes/Programs]  CHINA Beijing Foreign University; Chinese University of Hong Kong; City University of Hong Kong; Fudan University; Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Tsinghua University; University of Hong Kong

 JAPAN Akita International University; International Christian University; Keio University; Kwansei Gakuin University; Kyoto University; Kyushu University; Nagoya University; Nihon University; Rikkyo University; University of Tokyo; University of Tsukuba; Waseda University; Yokohama National University

 SINGAPORE Nanyang Technological University; National University of Singapore 

SOUTH KOREA Ewha Woman’s University; Korea University;

Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); Seoul National University; Sookmyung Women’s University; Yonsei University

 TAIWAN

National Taiwan University  SUMMER PROGRAMS

o Course Work International Summer School (ISS) and/or Chinese Language Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong; International Co‐Ed Summer School at Ewha Woman’s University; International Summer Campus at Korea University; Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) at Yonsei University

o Language Study

Mandarin; Cantonese; Korean; Japanese

o Field Studies Science Summer Field School at the National university of Singapore

o Research Opportunities

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter  OTHER PROGRAMS

o Self‐Designed Study Abroad Programs o Students for Development Internship

[General Application Requirements]  Online Application form  Application Checklist  Statement of Interest or Research Statement  Resume  Two (2) Letters of Reference  Academic Transcript  Interview [ISXO Application Deadlines] Regular Deadline: Friday, February 26, 2010 – 5pm Early Deadline: Monday, January 18, 2010 – 5pm [Application Process & Timeline] Applications for the fall, winter, and full year exchanges and study abroad

“It was truly a life changing experience”

programs are assessed AFTER the deadline for that program, and those who qualify for the programs will be interviewed. Applications for internships, research, and some summer programs may not require an interview. Within one week of the deadline, receive an email confirming receipt of the application, whether it’s in good order or the requirements of more documents (If required) By destination & program, will be contacted for an interview Within one week of the interview, receive by email, an official nomination letter and list of further instructions/documents required in applying to host university to be returned to ISXO Before leaving Toronto, required to attend Pre‐Departure Orientation, register on Safety Abroad Database, return waivers and forms

Photograph and message by Trinh Quan A past participant in the Chinese University of Hong Kong International Summer School – Chinese Language Program 2009 (ISS‐CLP)

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[Eligibility]  Degree‐taking students registered in various faculties including Arts & Sciences, please visit website for complete listing  Have completed at least 4.0 credits and the University of Toronto (undergraduates, including transfer students) or obtain permission of your department (graduate)  Language requirement depending on the host university as not all programs are taught in English  Minimum CGPA of 2.25 & AGPA of 2.50 required [Costs] Tuition for most ISXO programs, students are required to pay regular full‐time tuition and incidental fees to the University of Toronto. Not required to pay this cost to the host university unless it is a Self‐Designed Program. Estimation of Student Exchange Cost:  UofT tuition and incidental fees  Travel costs (return airfare & transportation within host country)  Mandatory supplementary health insurance  Room and board (residency)  Clothing and other personal items  School supplies  Phone calls  Field trips (if applicable)  Entertainment  Unforeseen expenses (medical care, emergency transportation, disasters, legal/diplomatic costs, etc.) Please understand that this is only estimation and varies from person to person depending on their needs as well as on the exchange program selected.

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

ISSUE #1 | DECEMBER 2009 Http://summerabroad.utoronto.ca Professional & International Programs Woodsworth College, University of Toronto 119 St. George Street, 3rd Floor. Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A9 Phone: 416-978-8713 Fax: 416-946-3516 E-mail: summer.abroad@utoronto.ca

≈ Woodsworth College at the University of Toronto offers a wide selection of studying abroad opportunities for students, all of which are specialized for the summer session. The purpose of these Summer Abroad programs is to enrich the academic lives of students by providing an “exciting and educational international experience”. After the program is finished, students would obtain a full‐year University of Toronto undergraduate degree credit (NOT a transfer credit). Furthermore, all classes are taught in English, with the exception of language courses. For more detailed information, please remember to visit the official website. Every year, the programs differ, as there are new additions and/or removal of certain ones. Nonetheless, all the programs are all equally worthwhile. If you wish to receive up‐to‐date information, subscribe for their yearly flyers and brochures, which provides students with detailed information on the programs offered as well as information sessions available. The class size ranges from 10‐15 for language programs and 25‐30 for all other programs. As such, students are able to have a closer and more individuated experience with the professors, which will greatly help them throughout the course and differs greatly from the lecture environment at the university here. Since class sizes are limited, acceptances are greatly based on first come first serve.

[Programs] (Relevant to East Asia) For a complete listing of programs offered, please visit the website  China‐Hong Kong o o o o o

EAS395Y The Development of Greater China: Start and Society in Transition HIS385Y The History of Hong Kong (2 sections) INI390Y Chinese Cinema RSM295Y Special Topics in International Management (2 sections) RSM395Y Special Topics in International Marketing

Information Session: January 21, 2010 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm Sidney Smith Hall, Room 2135 Estimated TOTAL cost: $5282  China‐Shanghai and Beijing o

POL376Y Transforming Global Politics: Comparative and Chinese Perspectives

Information Session: January 27, 2010 from 4:30 – 6:30 Woodsworth College Residence, Waters Lounge Estimated TOTAL cost: $5245 Additional Requirement: CGPA of at least 2.5.  Japan: Tokyo o

Seven levels of language instruction (including beginners). Students will enroll in an ICU course, but earn University of Toronto credit. Classes are small (10‐15) and take place in the mornings from Monday to Friday.

Information Session: January 4, 2010 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm Woodsworth College Residence, Waters Lounge Estimated TOTAL cost: $6475 Additional Requirement: CGPA of at least 3.0.

[Eligibility] The programs are open to North American university students in good standing (min. CGPA of 1.60) as well as alumi. As such, students enrolled in any other school besides the University of Toronto may apply as a Visiting Student. All students must meet the university’s admission requirements to the Faculty of Arts & Science to be able to participate. [Application Process] The online application form for the program will be available on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. A $200 application fee (and $100 flight deposit if applicable) must be submitted by the deadline. Students wishing to apply to more than one program must submit a separate application and $200 fee for each. Application Deadline: March 1, 2010 Award Application: February 1, 2010 Admission packages will be sent to most students in April. Until you receive a package your admission to the program is not guaranteed, and so you should NOT make any final plans (e.g., booking your flight). The Summer Abroad programs also offers financial aid for students accepted in the program, in which the amount varies from person to person as well as from program to program. Further details will be given in the Finances section.

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

ISSUE #1 | DECEMBER 2009 EASSU brings to you a listing of useful websites that we found online. Oxford Seminars http://www.oxfordseminars.com Footprints Recruiting http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com Teach Away Inc. http://www.teachaway.com Aclipse Recruitment Services http://www.aclipse.net/index.html SWAP Abroad http://www.swap.ca

TEACH ABROAD “Ever wondered what you would do when you graduate? Ever considered teaching abroad? “

It has been a recent trend for students to work abroad upon graduation. As such, there are many opportunities present for graduates to use their skills and literacy in English and help individuals in abroad, especially in the area of East Asia. EASSU, asDuis tortor erat, mollis a, condimentum vel, interdum non, enim. Ut sed leo. Suspendisse lacus. Vestibulum a pede sit amet lorem dignissim vehicula. Vivamus gravida faucibus est. Maecenas faucibus eleifend diam. Suspendisse quis dui id nunc convallis scelerisque. Praesent sed massa vel ante

KOREA: Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) http://english.sen.go.kr Canadian Connection: Educational Consultants (Canxonx) http://www.canconx.com English Teachers in Seoul for Native Speaker English Teachers (ETIS) http://etis.sen.go.kr Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) http://www.talk.go.kr JAPAN: The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) http://www.jetprogramme.org AEON Corporation http://www.aeonet.com CHINA: HESS Educational Organization http://www.hess.com.tw Aston Recruiting http://www.astonrecruiting.com Publications by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in regards to teaching abroad: Teaching English in Japan: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/publications/japan_japon‐eng.asp Teaching English in Korea: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/publications/korea_coree‐eng.asp Teaching English in Taiwan: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/publications/taiwan_taiwan‐eng.asp ** Please be aware of scams as there has been quite a number of those online. Just be very careful when choosing your recruitment company. Here is an excellent site that talks about this issue, please do take a look at it when considering teaching abroad. http://www.all‐about‐teaching‐english‐in‐japan.com/jobscams.html

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

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International Chinese Language Program at the National Taiwan University http://iclp.ntu.edu.tw Operation Groundswell

“Backpacking With a Purpose: Global Hands‐On Community Projects”

http://www.operationgroundswell.com University Studies Abroad Consortium http://usac.unr.edu Learn Overseas.com http://www.learnoverseas.com iMandarin Language Training Institute http://www.imandarin.net

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES If none of the exchange programs offered at the University of Toronto is not in your interest, here is a listing of some other routes possible if you would like to study, work or travel abroad. Please note that these opportunities are limited and subject to change without any notice.

As undergraduate students ourselves, we understand that finance is an important factor on many decisions. Furthermore, it is common for students to give up on studying abroad due to a lack of funding. However, EASSU is here to help you solve this problem! We have in the following page a listing of places where you can obtain extra funding for your trip, research, or undergraduate tuition fees.

FINANCES

Financial Aid | Scholarships | Bursaries

This may sound silly but there are actually money out there for FREE that people offer and often times, students are not aware of it. Although it is difficult to find, but there is such a possibility. However, the only drawback is it involves a lot of researching and information gathering. Nonetheless, we hope this will help.

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

“If you need funding,

Faculty of Arts & Science

There exist numerous awards available but the ones listed here are entailed for abroad experiences in Asia. 

We’re here to help!”

   

International Student Exchange Office (ISXO) The ISXO office the University of Toronto offers participants in any exchange programs extra funding. 

ISXO Bursary – covers at least the cost of the

airfare for those who qualify (usually $1500) Deadlines: Summer term departure: May 1st Fall term departure: August 15th Winter term departure: December 1st



Ontario International Exchange Opportunity Scholarship (OIEO) – for an eligible period of academic study, work term or co‐op placement outside of Canada for a period of 2 months or longer, valued at $2500

   

Pekka Sinervo International Travel Award Mari‐Ellen Murray Memorial Award AAU/Chinese Scholarship Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

Woodsworth College Summer Abroad Programs This is limited to students that are accepted into the program.    

Summer Abroad Bursary (available for Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing programs) Rose Patten International Program Award (available for Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing programs) Dr. David Chu Scholarship (available for Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, Japan programs) Water and Marry Tuohy Award (available for Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, Japan programs)

The value and availability of these awards vary every year. Check the website for more info.

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Dr. David Chu Scholarships in Asia Pacific Studies (value differs) Barbara Frum Memorial Award in Canadian Scholarship ($2100) The Ting Fang Chung Scholarships The Ross H. MacDonald Scholarships Asian Institute Graduate Support Grant

St. Michael’s College (http://www.utoronto.ca/stmikes/)  

The Celtic Studies Scholarships for Summer Study ($2500) St. George’s Society Awards ($300 ‐ $1000)

Trinity College (http://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/)    

Neil Reid McLeod Scholarship ($4000) The William Rogers Memorial Scholarship ($1500) The Martin Simpson Award ($3500) St. George’s Society Awards (up to $2000)

University College (http://www.uc.utoronto.ca/content/view/210/1259/)      

The Elizabeth Brown Travel Award ($2000) The Galdys Wookey Davis Travel Award in Drama Elisabeth Destout Traveling Scholarship ($2000) Margaret Jean Leppington Scholarship ($2000) Jane McAdams Perron Scholarship ($3000) Teetzel Traveling Award ($3000)

Victory College (http://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/students/awards.htm)   

Study Abroad Funds (up to $2000, multiple) The Bader International Bursary (up to $5000, multiple) The Murray and Katherine Corlett Award for International Study 7

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter     

The Sandra Irving Award for the Victoria/Acadia Exchange The James Morrow Bursary The Richard Lorweth Thorman Award for International Study The John Hamilton Watson Award for International Study Awarded St. George’s Society Awards (up to $2500)

Woodsworth College (http://www.wdw.utoronto.ca)                        



ISSUE #1 | DECEMBER 2009 Woodsworth College Students’ Association – Antonia Silcox Scholarship in Criminology/Peter Silcox Scholarship in Public Administration/Wiebke Smythe Scholarship

New College (http://www.newcollege.utoronto.ca/students/financial.htm) Innis College (http://www.utoronto.ca/innis/) Association of Part‐Time Undergraduate Studies (APUS) http://www.apus.utoronto.ca/

Peter F. Bronfman Gold Scholarship Peter F. Bronfman Leadership Scholarship  APUS 2009‐2010 Bursary Alayne and Kenneth Christie award for Part‐ Deadline: January 29, 2010 Time Students  Noah Meltz 2009‐2010 Award Baron de Douglas Crone and Ada Crone Deadline: January 31, 2010 Scholarship  APUS Scholastic Award The William James Dunlop Memorial Deadline: January 29, 2010 Scholarship  Sesquicentennial Award Sophia Vera and Jack Bernard Ellis Scholarship Deadline: January 29, 2010 Nora Kathleen Gillies Scholarship Anne Marie Hilll Scholarship Arts & Science Student Union (ASSU) ‐ http://assu.ca David Lewis Memorial Prize in Canadian  Willian R. Garder Student Leadership Award Politics Deadline: January 29, 2010 McNab Undergraduate In‐Course Scholarship  Terry Buckland Award for Diversity and Equity Andrew Duart Mullin Scholarship in Education Erin O’Neil‐Berg Scholarship  Urmila (Uma) Sarkar Service Award Ontario Woodsworth Memorial Foundation Scholarship East Asian Studies Department Rose M. Patten Single Parent Scholarship Peggy Pratt Service Scholarship  Andrew Tsang Memorial Scholarship in Sino‐ James A. Priestley Scholarship Canadian Studies Shauna Sexsmith Business Award  The Ross H. MacDonald Scholarship James Shaver Woodsworth Homestead  Chizuru Suzuiki Memorial Scholarship Foundation Scholarship  Okamatsu Japanese Book Award Lilian Mary Silcox Prize in Organizational  Korean Studies Scholarship Theory  TECO Huayu Enrichment Scholarship University of Toronto Women’s Association Other Funding: Scholarship University of Toronto – Woodsworth College  Queen Elizabeth II Aiming for the Top Scholarship Scholarship Dorothy Walters Scholarship  Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation Woodsworth College Criminology Prize (http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca) Woodsworth College Scholarship  http://scholarshipscanada.com

EASSU: EAST Conference Newsletter

Finance Management Abroad If you are planning to go abroad and not sure how about to manage your finances, here are some options that you can consider:  Cash, one of the few obvious ones yet can be dangerous if you are traveling for a long period of time. However, this method helps you save on exchange rates and fees.  Traveler’s Cheque – There are fees involved when cashing them out abroad, check online to see how they are charged at your host country’s bank. On the good side, if you lose them, they can be replaced and no one would be able to use it, since it requires two signatures.  Debit Card – Some banks allow interac transactions abroad. Contact your bank to find out the rates and extra fees involved.  Credit Card – This is one of the few popular methods. However, the downside of using



ISSUE #1 | DECEMBER 2009

them is the risk of losing it as well as the exchange rates. Also, double check that this method of payment of available in the host country as some countries prefers cash, such as China. Furthermore, before departing, call your credit company and notify them of your traveling plans, as often they would think it’s a fraud incident and you wouldn’t be able to use it abroad. Credit Card Gift Card – Similar to using a credit card, however, this often entails a higher risk, as it’s practically impossible to replace if lost. Prepaid Credit Card – Works exactly like a credit card. Different from the gift cards are that it has your name it, and thus is replaceable. But often times, there are a lot of extra fees included. Example: Nextwave Titanium Prepaid M/C

** Most importantly, budget! – A common tip from past participants.

HAVE QUESTIONS? SUGGESTIONS? COMMENTS? ADDITIONAL INFORMATION? ‐ PLEASE CONTACT US! EAST ASIAN STUDIES STUDENT UNION (EASSU) Robarts Library, Room 14‐299 130 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H1 Website: http://eassu.sa.utoronto.ca E‐mail: eassu@yahoo.ca

If you missed the East Conference 2009 and would like to receive additional about it, or would like the contact information of the presenters, please e‐mail us.