Osaka 2025

For program information and fundraising/scholarship workshops, attend the following meetings. You can also join meetings without registering by clicking on this direct Zoom link.

Information Meeting #1

• When: Monday, February 10 at 5 p.m.
• Where: Online (use Zoom link above)
• Register and receive a reminder for meeting #1

Information Meeting #2 (same content as meeting #1)

• When: Wednesday, February 26 at 5 p.m.
• Where: Hybrid (in person at Citrus College in CI 159 and/or online (use Zoom link above)
• Register and receive a reminder for meeting #2

Information Meeting #3

• When: Tuesday, March 18 at 5 p.m.
• Where: Hybrid (in person at Citrus College in CI 159 and/or online (use Zoom link above)
• Register and receive a reminder for meeting #3

Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting

• When: Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m.
• Where: In person at Citrus College in CI 159
• Please come at 5 p.m. to chat with your fellow Osaka students and eat pizza!

$3,250 per person - 35-45 enrolled students
OR
$3,550 per person - 25-34 enrolled students

This fee excludes airfare, passport or visa fees, meals other than those included in the program, personal expenses, any Citrus College tuition, textbook fees or administrative fees.

• Visas are not required for US citizens for programs shorter than 90 days.
• Students who are not US citizens are responsible for securing their visa and understanding the application process.

Financial Aid

• Students may apply for loans during the spring semester for use in the summer. If enrolled in six units, students may receive half of the semester Pell Grant. However, this will come towards the end, or after, the conclusion of the program.
  
  
• Check with Citrus College Financial Aid for the final day to apply for loans (usually around April).
  
  
• Students are eligible for the tuition waiver during the winter intersession.

Scholarship

• In order to minimize your reliance on financial aid/loans, be sure to budget, plan, fundraise, and apply to as many scholarships as possible.
  
  
• Review our "Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay" worksheet. Be sure to make an appointment with your study abroad advisor, writing center, or faculty for essay review and assistance. For comprehensive essay tips and tutoring contact information, read Citrus College's Learning Center guide available here.
  
  
• The Gilman scholarship awards Pell Grant eligible students (required) a maximum of $5,000 per program (usually $2,000-$3,500).
  Deadline: first Thursday of October for winter and spring programs (or you can submit early for summer and fall) and the first Thursday of March for summer and fall programs (or submit early for winter and spring). View the Gilman overview presentation slides on the Gilman website.
  
  
• Your college's financial aid web page will likely have information about internal and external scholarships. Citrus College's internal scholarships open in the spring and close in May.
  
  
• Scholarship and fundraising information
  
  
• Scholarship resources are available for viewing on this website.
  
  
• Click here to download the slides from the AIFS Funding Your Study Abroad presentation.

Students must enroll in a minimum of three units. Online courses are available but not recommended while studying in Osaka.

Brianne Levine-Peters is a professor of psychology at Citrus College. She taught for the consortium's study abroad program in London in 2016 and has since visited over 50 countries. Professor Levine-Peters has taught a wide range of psychology courses and, prior to her full-time role at Citrus, also taught at CSU Fullerton and the University of La Verne and served as a co-director of the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Center for Research and Education. As a psychology instructor, she attempts to teach her students the importance of scientific literacy and critical thinking. Studying abroad was a life-changing experience for her in 2016, and Professor Levine-Peters looks forward to sharing her love of psychology and travel with her students.

PSY 220 Intro to Social Psychology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9); 54 lecture hours; Grade Mode: Standard Letter; Strongly recommended: ENGL 101 An introduction to the study of social psychology emphasizes the nature of socially determined behavior as seen in the areas of conformity, propaganda, prejudice, social roles, social process, social perception, and culturally determined personality. 54 lecture hours.

Dr. Shauna Bigby is a family nurse practitioner with a minor in education and additional public and psychiatric mental health certifications. Dr. Bigby also holds a doctorate in nursing practice with an emphasis on college health. A nurse and educator for over 25 years and faculty at Citrus College for 20 years, she has taught many classes, including human growth and development, public health, nutrition, and nursing courses. Dr. Bigby teaches students daily about the connection between the mind and body and the roles of nature vs. nurture in human development. She believes experiences gained through travel provide a global perspective and looks forward to helping students make the most of this opportunity.

PSY 205 Developmental Psychology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9); 54 lecture hours; Grade Mode: Standard Letter; Strongly recommended: ENGL 101 Developmental psychology is the scientific study of progressive changes in behavior, cognition, and abilities. Attention is paid to issues related to the roles of nature and nurture in developmental processes.

Activities, Excursions

• Four CET-organized cultural activities in Osaka for all students, with local university student buddies (CET Friends) where indicated.
• Two CET-organized day trips to Kyoto and Nara. Final activities in each location will be finalized in collaboration with the faculty leaders and may include
• Group lunch meet and greet with local buddies (Japanese Students)
• All entrance and transportation fees for CET-sponsored activities are included for students, faculty, and CET staff
• One-day orientation to Osaka, CET support, and the program
• One hour Survival Japanese session during the first week of the program
• Ice breaker exercises and exploration activities in the city

Housing, Meals

• Shared student apartments in Osaka managed by CET (27 nights)
• A designated resident director to implement all aspects of this program
• One to two Citrus students per apartment unit, about a 10-20 minute commute to classroom space
• Units include at least one shared full bathroom, a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies, and small common/study space
• Internet provided in accommodations
• Group meals: welcome dinner, farewell dinner, group meals or lunch stipends during the day trip outside of Osaka

Transportation

• CET-organized airport greetings from Osaka International Airport (KIX) on arrival day during pre-determined flight arrival window, and CET staff supports students via public transportation to check into housing
• Round-trip transportation for all participants and CET staff for the two weekend day trips (rail fare)
• Public transportation pass in Osaka for each participant pre-loaded with transit fare for CET-organized activities and classroom commutes

Health, Safety, Insurance

• Collaborative emergency and contingency planning pre-departure with CET
• On-the-ground resources to support faculty leader in emergency response
• Extensive orientation to health and safety guidelines and procedures upon arrival
• Transparent 24/7 emergency response during the program and incident reporting to your institution
• CET GeoBlue insurance coverage for each participant

1. Visit the Citrus College Study Abroad website and complete the interest form.
   
   
2. Receive an acceptance letter confirming you are cleared to make the deposit/balance payment.
   
   
3. Make the $500 deposit/balance payment at the Citrus College Cashier Office starting February 11, 2025 and before March 29, 2025. The complete balance is due on May 1, 2025.
   
   
4. Attend or watch the recorded mandatory information meeting before placing your deposit. The first meeting is on February 10, 2025. See the meetings tab above.

Payment Deadlines

• February 11, 2025: Cashier office will begin accepting payment. See application steps in the tab above.
• March 28, 2025: Deposit deadline (45 spots available on first come, first serve basis)
• April 7, 2025: Cashier will now accept payment for the complete balance of the Osaka fee
• May 1, 2025: Complete payment of fees is due

Cashier Payment

Students will receive an acceptance letter and notifying you that you are cleared to make the deposit/balance payment at the Citrus College Cashier Office beginning February 11, 2025. Be sure to attend or watch the recorded mandatory February 10, 2025 information meeting before placing your deposit.

• Cash, credit card, and checks are accepted
• In person payments only with cardholder photo ID (no online/phone payment options)
• Citrus College student ID number is required to place the deposit
• Student Services Building Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All cancellations by a student after acceptance in the Osaka Study Abroad program must be made in writing to John Morris at jmorris@citruscollege.edu

• Before March 29, 2025: No cancellation fees
• After March 29, 2025: the cancellation fee is $500 plus all non-recoverable costs
• After May 1, 2025: cancellation fee is 50% of the program fee or the total amount of non-recoverable costs, whichever is higher.

*NOTE: after the final payment deadline non-refundable financial commitments have been made to secure your spot. If a participant withdraws once the program has begun, there is no refund.

Citrus College
1000 W. Foothill Blvd.
Glendora, CA 91741 
(626) 914-8560

• John Morris, study abroad specialist: studyabroad@citruscollege.edu 
• Shauna Bigby, psychology instructor: sbigby@citruscollege.edu
• Brianne Levine-Peters, psychology instructor: blevine@citruscollege.edu