- Academic Calendar
- Advising System
- Apply Online
- Athletics
- Banner Web
- Check E-Mail
- Class Schedule
- Customer Service
- Degree Programs
- Employee Self Service
- Employment
- Ethics Hotline
- Faculty/Staff Directory
- Faculty Webpages
- Fee Payment
- Final Exam Schedule
- Financial Aid
- GeorgiaVIEW Vista (WebCT)
- Maps/Directions
- Register Online
- Room Reservations
- Student Insurance Plan
- Travel Expense Form
- Tuition and Fees
- USG Institutions
Trip to Japan enjoyed by WC students, community members
May 10, 2010
Six Waycross College students, along with six members from the community,
experienced the rich history and culture of Japan during a study
abroad trip March 12-20, 2010. The trip was coordinated by Christine
Kikuchi, associate professor of information technology at WC. Takefumi
Kikuchi, a native of Japan, also accompanied the group.
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, served as the base city during the eight-day adventure. While in Tokyo, the group visited many famous landmarks including Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, the Meiji Shrine, Hamarikyu Japanese Gardens, Asakusa Temple, the Imperial Palace, and Ginza. In addition, the group experienced a cruise down the Sumida River.
Kikuchi said everyone enjoyed Tokyo and that the city’s transportation system greatly enhanced the experience.
“All of the travelers were amazed at the easy operation of the train and subway systems,” said Kikuchi. “They were also very impressed that all trains ran on time. During their free time in Tokyo, the group loved that they were able to jump on a train to go wherever they wanted to go.
”Following their visit to Tokyo, the group traveled to Nikko, Japan, home of the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil monkey carving. According to Kikuchi, the city is also the home of the Buddhist movement in Japan.
“Nikko is an exceptionally beautiful mountain area, and the travelers enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful temples and shrines set amongst the cedar trees,” she said. Hakone, Japan, which lies at the base of Mt. Fiji, was another stop on the Japan tour. Kikuchi said Hakone is a resort area famous for its lakes, mountains, and natural hot springs.
During their time in Hakone, the group stayed at a 400-year-old Ryokan (Japanese Inn), visited Owakudani, an active volcanic crater, Lake Ashii, the Venetian Glass Museum, and the Edo checkpoint.
“Half the fun of going to Hakone is getting there,” said Kikuchi. “You travel via many different modes of transportation – train, cable car, and boat.”
Kikuchi said everyone enjoyed the entire trip and that some mentioned they were very grateful for the hospitality of the Japanese people.
“I am glad that the Japanese were so polite and helpful,” said Robyn Bullard, a WC student. “If you just stood around and looked lost for a minute, someone would offer to help you. I feel like the Japanese go out of their way to make life more comfortable for foreigners, especially English speakers.”
WC offers a study abroad trip each March during the college’s spring break. Kikuchi said plans are already being made for next year’s trip to Rome and Florence, Italy. The trip will occur in March 2011.
Study abroad trips are open to WC faculty, staff, students, as well as members of the community. There is no course requirement to participate. Anyone interested in the 2011 trip to Italy should contact Kikuchi at ckikuchi@waycross.edu .
Waycross College has been a proud member of the University System of Georgia since the college’s founding in 1976.
Contact Information:
Taylor Hereford
Director of Development and Community Services
thereford@waycross.edu
Study Abroad trip to Japan March 2010