Study abroad in Japan, or elsewhere

Below is the text from the email I got on studying in Japan. Here is where you can go to find out about the full offerings of this study-abroad program: Study international reporting, travel writing in Kyoto, Japan Buddhist temples and underground bands. Geisha and Nintendo. Serene gardens and anime. Steeped in history, yet hopping with the latest trends, Kyoto offers the perfect opportunity to explore the past, present and future of Japan. In the ieiMedia Kyoto Project, student journalists will work as foreign correspondents and travel writers, contributing articles to an online magazine. No knowledge of Japanese is necessary; participants will collaborate with bilingual Japanese students who will act as interpreters. The Kyoto program runs from June 26 to July 21, 2017, and provides three transferable academic credits from the University of Jamestown. See below for highlights. And please visit ieiMedia.com for an online application. Registration for this summer program continues through Feb. 15, but there's a $150 early-bird discount for students who pay by check by Jan. 1. If you dream of becoming a foreign correspondent or a travel writer, Kyoto is an ideal place to start. The city was the imperial capital of Japan for 1,000 years, and that history appears in the hundreds of temples and shrines that dot the city. You may even spot geisha (called geiko in Kyoto) scurrying to appointments in the Gion district at dusk. Blessed with little crime or history of terrorism, Japan ranks among the 10 safest countries to visit, according to Conde Nast Traveler and The Huffington Post. And its extensive train system makes it easy to get around. Paired with bilingual Japanese students, participants will explore the city on the hunt for captivating stories and images. You can interview a traditional tea master or craftsman or probe game developers or animators about the latest advances in their field; Nintendo and Kyoto Animation are based in the city. Students will work in the medium of their choice - text, video, photography or multimedia. Students can participate as journalists or delegates in the Japan English Model United Nation, an optional three-day program before the regular course begins. If you're fascinated by diplomacy and world affairs, start your Japanese adventure early with an optional program - the Japan English Model United Nations conference at Kindai University (June 23-25, 2017) near Osaka. Students can sign up to participate as a delegate or as a journalist covering the proceedings, in which Japanese and international students, speaking in English, will try to solve some of the world's most pressing problems. An additional fee of 29,000 yen (approximately $300) will cover two nights' accommodation, entry fees and most meals. (Note: Students who apply for a scholarship from the Gilman International Scholarship Program should plan to participate in the Model U.N. program to ensure they are in Japan for the required number of days.) The faculty Rachele Kanigel (co-director) is an associate professor of journalism at San Francisco State University and immediate past president of College Media Association. She is the author of The Student Newspaper Survival Guide and editor of The Diversity Style Guide. A former daily newspaper reporter for the Oakland Tribune and The News & Observer, she has freelanced for Time magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Health, Reader's Digest, San Francisco Magazine and other publications. She has directed past ieiMedia programs in Perpignan, France; Urbino, Italy; and Jerusalem. Laird Harrison (co-director) is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in magazines (Time, Audubon, Reader's Digest, People, Health), newspapers (San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press); and websites (Reuters, Salon, MSNBC, CNN.com). He has produced video for websites of Smithsonian Magazine and WebMD and audio for KQED and WUNC public media stations. He has taught journalism at San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley Extension. Craig Smith (local coordinator) is founding chair of the Department of Global Affairs at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. A Canadian who has lived and taught in Japan for many years, he has been a pioneer in experiential learning. He will organize cultural activities and lead the team of Japanese students who will act as interpreters. The details The cost of the program is $4,995 plus airfare. This includes: ● Tuition for three transferable credits from the University of Jamestown ● Instruction in international reporting and travel writing ● Lessons in basic Japanese language and cultural traditions at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies ● Tours and cultural activities, including a visit to a local monkey park, the Arashiyama bamboo forest, temples and other attractions ● Social activities with Japanese students and meetings with local journalists ● City bus pass for exploring Kyoto ● Accommodation in a new apartment-hotel in downtown Kyoto; all rooms have air conditioning, kitchenettes and private baths ● Student interpreters for reporting assignments ● Travel insurance Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Feb. 15. Apply early to secure your spot and pay by check by Jan. 1 for a $150 early-bird discount!

Oreo, then and now

Just an example of how things change: As recently as 2007, this entry was in the AP Stylebook. I couldn't find a 2008 version, but, by 2009, it was gone.

The go-to place for place names

In perusing the AP Stylebook in getting ready for the fall semester, I found this extremely useful link about geographic names. I'll add the link to my list of important sites, as well.

Dashes ... finally someone understands

Great, fun piece on Poynter's website comparing dashes (overused, misplaced, always trying to elbow out the rest of the punctuation family) to Kardashians! Looks like something I need to incorporate in my lessons.