Shikoku University: Program Details
This exchange program has been in place since 1981 and has allowed for the exchange of faculty and students. The faculty exchange currently allows faculty from SVSU to teach at Shikoku University during the spring/summer sessions. Features of the program are as follows:
- SVSU faculty are typically asked to teach courses in English Language and American culture at Shikoku to undergraduate English majors.
- SVSU faculty can not teach at SVSU during Spring or Summer, and would be at Shikoku for four months ( from roughly April 5 until August 5). This requires arrangements to complete the Winter semester early, with approval from the respective Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- SVSU faculty are compensated US$12,000 for the assignment, paid in yen in Japan. There is also a grant of $1,500 for expenses related to the trip. This is provided in advance of the trip, but receipts must be kept to support that grant. Examples of related expenses would be mailings, books, travel within Japan, and any other expenses related to the exchange.
- Shikoku University also supplies to budgets, each of 100,000 yen (roughly US$1,000), one for research expenses and one for local transportation (buses & taxis).
- A small two-bedroom house at the edge of campus is provided at no cost (utilities included). Health insurance for the faculty person and any accompanying family.
- SVSU will cover the costs of round trip travel from MBS airport to Osaka and return, plus the cost of the visa. The cost of the bus from Osaka to Tokushima can be covered by the $1,500 grant. If a spouse is accompanying the faculty person, 50% of the cost of the ticket for the spouse from MBS to Osaka will be covered by the University. Travel for children is not covered.
- Visa is obtained from the Japanese Consulate in Detroit after receiving from Shikoku University an Agreement, Letter of Invitation, and Certificate of Eligibility.
- The Office of International Programs will provide logistical support in obtaining the tickets and visas necessary for the travel. No immunizations are required for Japan.
- This exchange does not require sabbatical because it takes place during the spring/summer.
- Selection of the SVSU faculty person is made by the Center for International Studies & Services in coordination with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- Useful information can be obtained from past exchange faculty including John Jezierski, Norm Sterchele, Terry Ishahara, Basil Clark, Merlyn Mondol, Lou Cohen, Paul Munn, Morteza Marzjarani, Tai Chi Lee, Sachiko Claus, Carlos Ramet, and Mason Wang.