Strake Jesuit Japan Tour 2019 - Strake Jesuit College ...
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Strake Jesuit Japan Tour 2019
Who: Ten students and two faculty—Mr. Kubiak and Dr. Maier of the English Department
We are especially seeking students with sincere interest in Japan and Japanese culture.
Students must be US citizens, and must not speak Japanese as their primary language.
What: Seven to ten days touring Japan. A draft itinerary is below that articulates major sights
and events, but final details are still in the works and will be shared with the ten
students and families in January.
When: We travel during Spring Break 2019. Exact dates are still being determined, but students
should be prepared to leave on Friday, March 9, and return as late as Sunday, March 17.
We do need to complete an application process soon because of the unique timing of
this opportunity. Applications are due January 7, 2019.
Next steps:
Students and parents should review all of the materials attached below.
1. Brochure for the GEN-J Tours initiative.
2. Draft itinerary for our tour.
3. The Strake Jesuit student travel handbook and agreements.
If you feel confident that you’d like to take this trip with us, prepare to apply online
before January 7. Here are the application questions that you should prepare:
Short Answers
• What foreign languages do you speak, and to what degree of proficiency?
• What was your first language learned as a child?
• What is your primary language spoken at home?
• What countries have you visited outside the USA?
• Can you commit to travel for the entire Spring Break, from Friday March
9 through Sunday March 17?
• Do you already have a passport valid through end of March, 2019?
• Do you have any particular connection to Japan? (Examples might include
Japanese heritage; membership in the Japan Foundation or JASH; past
experience living in Japan or hosting Japanese visitors; parents'
professional connections to Japan, like working for or working closely
with a Japanese company.)
• Please name a Strake Jesuit faculty member who knows you well and
could recommend you for this trip.
“Essays” (not more than 500 words)
• Describe your special interests, sports, hobbies, clubs, and/or leadership
experience.
• What interests you about Japan? What do you want to see, learn, or do in
Japan?
• Why would you be a good representative of the Strake Jesuit community
and broader human community?
• Why do you think it is important for Americans to learn about Japan and
Japanese Companies in the United States?
• If you traveled to Japan on this trip, how could you share the experience
with others when you return?
You can apply online at this link: https://goo.gl/forms/vpxgL5ihKb1KJXhd2.
Students will need to be logged into their Strake Jesuit Google accounts.
Parents should be nearby to electronically sign the student’s application.
This process is a true application. While we would love to bring all interested students,
space will not allow it. We will prioritize students with a sincere interest in Japan and in
this tour, and students with a proven record of constructive leadership and positive
contributions to their community, but unfortunately, there will be some qualified
students who simply cannot attend. Strake Jesuit will continue to seek other future tour
opportunities like this one.
If you do not already have a passport, we encourage you to apply for a passport ASAP,
even though your spot on the tour cannot be confirmed until middle January.
We will notify students of their status on or before January 11, 2019. All participating
students, with at least one parent, will attend an evening meeting during the week of
January 21, exact time still to be determined.
If you have questions about the application process or the tour, please email Dr. Maier
(mmaier@strakejesuit.org), Mr. Kubiak (kkubiak@strakejesuit.org), and Mr. Fahy
(jfahy@strakejesuit.org).
Note about cost. The enclosed brochure mentions that the following are included— airfare, hotels, ground transportation, most meals, admission fees on the ground in Japan, and travel insurance. However, some families have asked what other costs might arise. As of today, December 22, our understanding is that students will only need "spending money" for things like snacks, an occasional casual meal, souvenirs, etc. How much to plan for is partly dependent on his spending habits and your family's spending goals. We estimate that $25/day is enough for most needs, while $100/day would be superabundant. We are confirming this understanding with the Japan-America Society, and invite you to apply at this point. You will be able to assess costs more fully before you finally commit to the trip.
What is GEN-J? Organized By
2019 GEN-J H.S.Invitation Tour
The GEN-J program was
organized by the Japan JAPAN Travel To Japan
Foundation, in collaboration AMERICA For Spring Break
with the Laurasian Institute in
SOCIETY OF
the fall of 2018. The first part of
the program involves inviting HOUTON
grassroots exchange facilitators
4543 Post Oak Place Suite 220
and Japanese language
Houston,TX 77027
supporters to nine cities in the
Southern and Midwestern States Office : 713.963.0121
to deepen the understanding of E-mail : mhirose@jas-hou.org
US Japan relations. Web : jas-hou.org
For the second part of the
GEN-J program, we will be
organizing this Japan tour for The Japan Foundation, Los
high school students in the cities
where we have Japanese
Angeles (JFLA) promotes
language supporters. international awareness
and mutual understanding
The third and last part of this between Japan and the
program provides grants for U.S. through cultural ex-
facilitators and supports to change. We administer a
organize Japanese-language and
culture related events in their
wide range of programs
region. and grants aimed at intro-
ducing Japanese arts and
Through the three parts of culture, supporting Japa-
GEN-J, we hope to introduce nese Studies and language
Japan on a grassroots level to education, and promoting
communities in the US with little
to no opportunity to experience
publications, translations
Japanese language and culture relatedto Japan.
and hope you will support us in
our endeavor for the next two
years.
LOS ANGELESProgram Overview What is Provided Eligibility
The Japan Foundation in
If selected, the Japan Foundation • Up to ten participants per school
collaboration with partner non-
profit host institution is seeking will cover the following expenses
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
participants from schools in the related to the trip:
areas they service for a trip to • Native language or main
Japan next spring. This program is • Round-Trip Airfare language used at home must not
organized in conjunction with the • Hotel Accommodations be Japanese
Grassroots Exchange Network - • Most Meals
Japan (GEN-J) with the purpose of • Group Travel Expenses in Japan • Be in high school during the
deepening understanding about • Admission Fees For Planned current school year
Japan and Japanese- Events
• Overseas Travel Insurance • Must participate in the entire
language on the grassroots level
itinerary (No deviations before,
in Southern and Midwestern
states that have limited during, or after the trip, and
opportunities for cultural non-participants cannot
exchange with Japan. What to Expect accompany you during the trip)
Through this tour, high school Participants may have the • Be in good physical and mental
students will be able to go on a opportunity to participate in health
week-long trip to Japan during the activities below:
spring break next year and • Have the consent of a legal
participate in exchanges to foster • Visit a Major City in Japan parent or guardian
deeper understanding of Japanese • Participate in Exchanges • Complete all homework assigned
language and culture. Participants • See Their Sister City
may also have opportunities to after the trip including an essay
• Participate in a Company Tour
visit their sister cities and take for our newsletter and a
• Eat Authentic Japanese Food
part in tours of companies that presentation to your classmates
• Experience Japanese Culture
have a presence in their local or community group
communities. At the conclusion of
this program, we hope that the
participants will have built a solid
understanding of US-Japan
relations at the local level and Tentative Dates
have the necessary knowledge
and connections to appreciate the
benefits of the strong relationship
March 9-17, 2019
between the United States and
Japan!2019 GEN-J Invitational Tour for High School Students
Houston : Tokyo - Osaka/Kyoto - Tokyo
December 4, 2018
Date City Time TRF Guide/Assistant Schedule Meal
Mar. 10 (Sun.) Narita PM(tba) Arrive at Narita Airport by XXX x
Coach Assistant Meet with our English speaking assistant and transfer to Hotel in Chiba x
D
↓ Arrive at hotel in Chiba
Chiba
18:30-20:00 On foot or Coach ↓ Dinner at the local restaurant
(Hotel Sunroute Chiba or similar - tba)
Mar. 11 (Mon.) Chiba Breakfast at hotel B
L
9:00-17:00 Coach Guide Chiba+Tokyo Tour D
↓ ↓ *Aqua Line+Umi Hotaru
↓ ↓ *Lunch at local restaurant
'*Odaiba
*Asakusa Sensoji
18:30-20:00 On foot or Coach ↓ Dinner at the local restaurant
(Hotel Sunroute Chiba or similar - tba)
Mar. 12 (Tue.) Chiba Breakfast at hotel B
L
9:00-17:00 Coach Guide Chiba City Tour/ Company Visit/ Activity D
↓ ↓ ex) Kikkoman (Factory in Noda)
↓ ↓ ex) AEON(HQ in Chiba)
↓ ↓ ex) Farm Experience
↓ ↓ ex) Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: Sutra Handcopy Experience
↓ ↓ *Lunch at local restaurant
↓ ↓ *tba
18:30-20:00 On foot or Coach ↓ Dinner at the local restaurant
(Hotel Sunroute Chiba or similar - tba)
Mar. 13 (Wed.) Chiba Breakfast at hotel B
L
Kyoto Coach Guide Meet English speaking assistant and transfer to Tokyo station by private coach D
8:30-18:00 ↓ ↓
Bullet train ↓ Arrive at Tokyo station
↓ ↓ Get on bullet train to Kyoto station
Coach ↓ Meet English speaking guide and start Kyoto sightseeing
Coach ↓ *Lunch at local restaurant
↓ ↓ *Fushimi Inari Shrine
↓ ↓ *Nijo Castle
Transfer to hotel in Osaka and check in
Osaka 18:30-20:00 On foot ↓ Dinner at the local restaurant
(Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda or similar - tba)
Mar. 14 (Thu.) Osaka Breakfast at hotel B
L
9:00-17:00 Coach Guide Osaka City Tour/ Company Visit/ Activity D
↓ ↓
↓ ↓ *Dotonbori Walk
↓ ↓ *Food Sample Experience
↓ ↓ *Sushi Making
↓ ↓ *Osaka Castle
↓ ↓
↓ ↓
↓ ↓
18:30-20:00 On foot or Coach ↓ Dinner at the local restaurant
(Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda or similar - tba)
Mar. 15 (Fri.) Osaka Breakfast at hotel B
L
9:30 Coach Assistanat Leave hotel for Shin Osaka station D
10:20 Train ↓ Arrive at Shin Osaka station and take Shinkansen for Tokyo
↓ ↓ *Box Lunch on the train
Tokyo 12:53 Coach ↓ Arrive at Shinagawa or Tokyo station
Guide
13:00-17:00 ↓ ↓ Tokyo City Tour
↓ ↓ *Edo Tokyo Museum
Chiba ↓ ↓ *Metropolitan Government Office Observatory
17:00 ↓ ↓ Arrive at hotel and check in
(Hotel Sunroute Chiba or similar - tba)
Mar. 16 (Sat.) Chiba Breakfast at hotel B
x
tba Coach Guide Leave Tokyo for Narita Airport
tba XXX Fly back to US“GO FORTH”
A Handbook for Student Travel
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
2017–2018Purpose and Mission
Strake Jesuit students are invited to travel to destinations inside and outside the USA in furtherance of
the school’s mission to assist young men in their formation as leaders and as Men for Others through a
program of rigorous college preparation in the tradition of the Society of Jesus. Each of these trips, in
their own way, aid students in becoming Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, Loving,
Committed to Doing Justice, and/or Physically Fit.
Various travel opportunities may be available to students in several categories, including
• pilgrimage and retreats
• cultural education and formation
• service and mission trips
• travel as part of a for-credit class
Structure
The Strake Jesuit Student Travel Program is a student activity that falls under the Student Affairs area
of the school. The Assistant Principal for Student Affairs provides the primary administrative support
for this program. The Student Travel Coordinator reports to the AP for Student Affairs and is primarily
responsible for coordinating the various trips and providing support to the faculty and staff leaders and
chaperones participating in these trips.
About These Documents
The following guidelines are prepared for Strake Jesuit students and families considering participation
in a school travel opportunity. Faculty and staff can also use these guidelines and questions when
planning, preparing, and executing a student trip. These pages outline many of the procedures and
practices that Jesuit seeks to install around these travel opportunities. However, because every trip is
different, it is essential that this document serve as one part of the trip preparation process. Frequent
conversation between school administrators, trip leaders, chaperones, parents, and students, is key to
a successful trip.Student and Family: General Process for Travel
Most of these steps are outlined in greater details on coming pages.
• Faculty and staff members design a trip and apply for school approval
• Trip Leaders organize at least one informational meeting, plus provide other publicity for
students and families to begin creating a community of potential travelers
• Before confirming travel, Trip Leaders distribute a “Go Forth” handbook to interested students
and families
• In most cases, students will apply to join trips or travel programs
• Before paying for and registering to travel, parents and students will agree to the terms of the
trip on the enclosed forms, providing permission and commitment for their sons to travel
• Applications are reviewed by trip leaders and school administrators for approval
• Parents register their son and begin to make payments with our travel partner companies
• Once all travelers are confirmed, at least one group travel meeting will be held to confirm
further details
• During travel, Trip Leader and other chaperones will regularly update parents and school
administrations about trip progressIssues for Parents to Consider
There is always a great deal of excitement around the opportunities a trip presents. Some other more
challenging issues may not rise to your consciousness immediately. This list is an effort to identify some
challenging but important topics to consider before traveling. Students and parents should talk about each of
these items.
• The student will be traveling without his parents, and will spend some of his time without direct
supervision. Is he ready for the greater independence that this trip may provide? Will he feel home-
sick? Is he able to manage himself safely with the degree of adult supervision that the trip includes?
Does he have the skills to reconnect with the group if he is separated?
• There is more “at stake” while abroad than while at home. For instance, legal systems and healthcare
systems vary greatly around the world, and legal or medical trouble will be harder to resolve than
when at home. Is the student ready for that greater degree of responsibility?
• Students live in close quarters while traveling, and chaperones cannot spend undue time or energy on
student discipline or group cohesion issues. The best travelers will be students who have internalized
important moral lessons about their interactions with other students and faculty—students who are
kind, friendly, easy to work with, obedient, and careful with others. Does this describe the student?
• While traveling, variations in cultural practices and norms may present some discomfort. Your son may
see or experience things while traveling that he sees rarely at home. There may be political, ethnic, or
religious tensions that are unfamiliar. There may be family structures or parenting practices that seem
odd or inappropriate. Are you aware of the variations you can expect on this trip? Is the student
prepared for these?
• Some of these variations may present moral temptations that the student does not face at home. For
instance, alcohol and drugs may be legal for him to use at his destination, and may be easy to find.
Practices around modest dress or public displays of affection may vary. Discuss these variations.
Students, have you internalized the moral expectations that your parents and school have for you?
• Certain kinds of risky behaviors are especially dangerous while traveling. Chaperones and families are
more able to respond to injury or illness at home, and potentially less so in a distant country. Students
should be especially careful with their health and bodily welfare. Talk about avoiding risk. Talk about
behaviors that may result in illness, hospitalization, or accident.
• The same is true about legal matters. While home in Texas, you can be relatively assured of
predictable, fair, and accessible legal procedures. This is not always true when traveling. For this
reason, students should carefully know the laws of the place they are in, and be very conservative in
avoiding violations of the law. Chaperones will present students with any unique or important
variations before traveling, and students should know that violating laws in other places can be cause
for disciplinary action, including removal from the trip. Students, are you prepared for this?Questions for Parents to Ask Trip Planners and Chaperones
Parents should expect that trip planners will provide a detailed itinerary and all of the relevant information
from our travel partner companies. However, there are invariably other questions that have not been
considered in those documents. You might consider talking about these issues with your Trip Planner.
• How will I be in contact with my son, in both casual and urgent times? Should I consider an
international phone plan for him? Will he have regular internet access?
• Remember that all trips will include moments of considerable freedom. What are the anticipated
freedoms and supervision level of this particular trip?
• How will living arrangements be decided while traveling?
• What are some of the cultural variations you expect to see on this trip?
Unanticipated Travel Home
Sometimes situations arise that cause a student to be dismissed from a trip, or otherwise face an
urgent need to fly home. These plans can usually be arranged through our tour providers or a travel
agency. Families are responsible for the entire costs of such travel.
Generally, students flying home alone or in small groups will be unaccompanied by chaperones, who
are needed on the trip to supervise the remaining students. Most airlines provide a service known as
the “Unaccompanied Minor Service” for students under age 18. Students flying with Unaccompanied
Minor status will be given special escort through the airports and flights back to their parents in
Houston. Families are responsible for the costs of such services.
Trip Insurance
Travel insurance is required for all international travel, and encouraged for all domestic travel. Travel
insurance must include primary emergency medical benefits, and emergency medical transportation
benefits.
Families are strongly encouraged to consider trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits, travel
delay benefits, baggage loss or damage benefits, baggage delay benefits, and missed connection
benefits. A rider that provides “cancel for any reason” overage is especially valuable. This can protect
you against unanticipated issues that prevent you from traveling.Student Conduct when Traveling
Students traveling abroad are expected to abide by all of the standards in Community Life.
Here are some particular notes that are unique to the situations faced while traveling:
While traveling, students are likely to encounter legal and cultural variations around alcohol, tobacco,
and drug use. Students are expected to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, even when they are
in places where alcohol or drug use is legal, widely accepted, or common.
Travelers may be living in close quarters with each other. Proximity, private spaces, and a large amount
of shared time can create unique issues. For instance:
Living spaces are generally meant for the private and restful use of their residents. For instance,
students should not be in others' hotel rooms. Chaperones will carefully articulate the meaning
of this standard based on the actual living conditions on your trip.
Students should respect the private space and time of your roommates. Sharing a home, hostel,
or hotel room will be more challenging than simply attending school together, and you will
need to show greater sensitivity to others' desires for privacy and interaction.
Chaperones have access to student spaces at any time and for any reason, and will visit
students’ quarters throughout the trip for the sake of presence and awareness.
Travel experiences can be profound. It's easy to form meaningful relationships in that setting.
However, remember that you are traveling in a group, and should avoid exclusive relationships
or cliques. Also avoid romantic relationships with fellow travelers, and abide by the standard of
chastity in your behavior.
Students who act recklessly may be sent home for their safety and that of the group. This includes
students who show disregard for the laws and norms of the country they visit, and students who take
risks with their bodily safety or well-being.
While traveling, chaperones will maintain fair and effective procedures. Chaperones may remove
students from activities or events as needed. Chaperones should freely and readily contact parents
with disciplinary matters, and parents are expected to help correct their child's behavior. Chaperones
should enlist the help of the Dean of Students when disciplinary issues arise. Families and students
should be aware that all disciplinary infractions while traveling open the possibility of a student being
sent home. In this case, families are responsible for all additional costs, and there are no refunds for his
original travel.Student Eligibility for Travel
All students are required to apply for travel before registering or paying.
Applications will be approved by the host faculty member, Strake Jesuit administrators, and for
students from other schools, administrators from their own school.
N.B. Trips that are part of an athletic or other competitive schedule, and trips for required
school retreats, do not always require the same application process. Follow the instructions of
your coach or moderator.
Students are responsible for their own calendar. Check the calendar of your other student activities,
sports teams, etc., before applying to travel.
Students must remain academically eligible in order to travel.
Students on disciplinary probation or with other significant disciplinary history may have their
applications denied. Even students with a history of small disciplinary issues may be denied the
privilege of travel because of the anticipated risk to the trip’s cohesion and stability.
Sometimes, new information will cause the school to cancel students’ permission to travel. For
instance, a student may become academically ineligible or be placed on disciplinary probation.
Students should do their best to avoid these situations. Families continue to be responsible for all the
costs of travel, even if the school rescinds permission to travel.Parent Agreement for Student Travel — Strake Jesuit Parents
Student Name: ___________________________________________
I am the parent / legal guardian / managing conservator of the student named here. I am legally permitted to
authorize him for this travel, and nothing impedes my parental rights in this regard.
I have discussed the details of this trip with the student, including a point-by-point review of the “Go Forth”
handbook. I agree to all of the standards and procedures outlined in that manual. I feel confident that my son
is able to make this trip safely and in accordance with the standards and procedures in Community Life, and in
the “Go Forth” handbook.
I consent for the student to represent Strake Jesuit and participate in the trip described above, including
traveling with chaperones designated by the school, and including all events and activities that constitute this
trip.
In the event of an injury, illness or other medical emergency, I authorize Strake Jesuit or a representative of
the school’s administration to act as my agent and/or attorney-in-fact, and further authorize and consent to
any and all medical treatment and assistance by a doctor, dentist, hospital, or other medical facility or
qualified person as the school or its representative deems necessary or appropriate. Any person or facility
providing medical treatment or assistance may rely on this authorization as being in full force and effect
unless and until they receive written instructions to the contrary.
I recognize that there are financial risks in permitting the student to make this trip, and I consent to those
risks, including possible costs connected to the school’s canceling the trip, canceling the student’s approval to
travel, or requiring the student to travel home unexpectedly. I agree to cover any such additional expenses,
and I have been advised of the value of travel insurance to help me plan for these expenses.
I do hereby, as parent / legal guardian / managing conservator, and on behalf of the student, agree to
indemnify and hold harmless Strake Jesuit from any claim or action, including but not limited to financial
damages, property damage, personal injury, or death, arising from or on account of any activity, event, travel,
medical treatment, or modification or cancelation of the student’s travel plans, regardless of whether such
claim or action is founded in whole or in part upon the alleged negligence of Strake Jesuit, its agents,
employees, or representatives.
** These documents will be signed at our meeting in January—no need to sign now **
Parent Signature: ________________________________ Date: __________________________
Parent Print Name: ________________________________Student Agreement for Travel — Strake Jesuit Students
I have discussed the details of this trip with my parents / guardians, including a point-by-point review of the
“Go Forth” handbook. I agree to all of the standards and procedures outlined in that manual, and I believe I
am able to make this trip safely, and in accordance with the standards and procedures in Community Life, and
in these handouts.
I understand that I represent Strake Jesuit while I travel on this trip, and I firmly intend to participate in this
trip to my best ability, including traveling under the supervision of school chaperones, and including all events
and activities that constitute this trip.
I firmly intend to abide by the moral and procedural expectations of my chaperones, my parents, and Strake
Jesuit. I understand that I am bound by Strake Jesuit standards of behavior, outlined in Community Life, both
before and during my travels. I intend to behave in accordance with those norms.
I understand that before traveling, my choices may impact my ability to complete this trip. Academic or
disciplinary issues between now and my departure date may cause my parents or Strake Jesuit to retract
permission to travel. I intend to do everything I can to avoid those situations.
I understand that while traveling, my choices may impact whether I am able to complete this trip. If I am in
any way unfit to complete my trip, I understand that I may be sent home, causing considerable inconvenience
for my fellow travelers and my parents, as well as financial impacts for my family. I intend to do everything I
can to avoid those situations.
** These documents will be signed at our meeting in January—no need to sign now **
Student Name: _______________________________________ Date: _______________
Student Signature: _______________________________________________________________
I have reviewed this agreement with my son.
Parent Name: _______________________________________ Date: _______________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________You can also read
