Transnational Program

Language Requirements:

iBT 48/ PBT 460/ CBT 140 minimum at time of program start; expected to achieve an iBT 61/PBT 500/CBT 177 minimum by Fall Term. An iBT 70/PBT 525/CBT 193 minimum is required to stay Winter Term (optional). A TOEFL tutorial is offered to assist students in gaining a higher score on the TOEFL. A language exchange program is offered all three terms.

Dates

March 25, 2009

Arrival in Portland

March 26-27

Orientation

March 30-June 12

Spring Term (includes final exams week)

June 15-19

Break

June 22 - August 14

Summer Term (includes final exam days)

August 17 - September 25

Summer Vacation

September 28 - December 11

Fall Term (includes finals week)-end of TSA Program

December 14, 2009 - January 1, 2010

Winter Vacation

January 4 - March 19, 2010

Winter Term (includes finals week)-optional term (extra fee)

Summary

This TSA at Portland State University was originally called the "Waseda Oregon Transnational Program" and it was established in April 2000. At Portland State University, the program is still called the “Transnational Program” or “TNP.” Over 150 Waseda students have participated in the “TNP” since it started. Waseda students come to study for three terms: Spring, Summer and Fall, with the option to stay Winter (if they have a 525 TOEFL and wish to pay an additional fee). The “TNP” is organized around its signature “theme courses.” These courses compare Japanese and American societies under two sub-themes: “Globalization & Identity” and “Tradition & Innovation.” The “theme courses” are part of the Portland State University core curriculum and are filled with regular PSU students.

The “TNP” requires students to take 8 credits of English per term. This Academic English course is open only to Waseda students and is tailored to their specific needs.

Waseda students with qualifying TOEFL scores may also take regular PSU electives. There is no program restriction on what electives they take as long as they stay at/under eight elective credits per term. However, PSU departments may put restrictions (major, class standing, matriculation) on the elective courses.

Waseda students are also invited to take “Community-Based Learning” classes at Portland State University. These classes help Waseda students learn more about Americans and American society.

Academic Study

key: Waseda students only (WO), Open enrollment to PSU students (OE)

Housing and Meal Plan

Waseda students have two housing options:

1. Dormitory room (single or double, based on availability) ranging between $900-$1900 per term. No meal plan is offered in the dorms, but students have kitchens to do their own cooking or they can eat at local restaurants or on campus. Most furnished rooms on campus are double-occupancy and students will be paired with a non-Waseda roommate.
2. Homestay costing about $600 per month. Please see www.andeo.org for more information.

Opportunities for Learning Through Experience

Portland State University is famous for its “Community Based Learning” courses. These courses are open to TSA students and are an opportunity for them to work on a project with Americans that benefits a local community non-profit. The Waseda Oregon Office helps TNP students find volunteer placements in Portland. TSA students have volunteered as Japanese language assistants at local schools, helpers at the local animal shelter, and as playgroup leaders for children at the state refugee center.

Portland State has many student organizations/clubs that Waseda students may join (please see Portland State Student Activities and Leadership Programs and Portland State Campus Recreation websites for current lists. The Waseda Oregon Office also runs a language exchange for TNP students to interact with PSU students. Field trips in recent years have included hiking, rafting, baseball and NBA games, museum trips, and festivals, as well as short-term volunteer experiences.

Facilitation Plan

The Waseda Oregon Office serves TSA students Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. Students receive their mail at the office and also use the dedicated computer lab (with printer and paper). All staff serve Waseda students in one capacity or another (e.g. advising, assisting with registration, resolving housing problems, etc...). There is also a resident assistant who assists students with housing and emergency medical issues. Students are given an emergency contact card with the home telephone numbers of all staff .There is a very high level of academic and personal support to TNP students.

Credits (24-30 semester credit hours)

Students may earn 24-36 semester credit hours for the TNP (though the transcripts are issued in quarter credit hours).

Coordinator

Sally Strand Mudiamu
Associate Director, Waseda Oregon Office
Portland State University
University Center Building #308N
527 SW Hall Street, Portland, OR 97201

Mailing address:
Portland State University
PO Box 751-WASA
Portland, OR 97207-0751
503-725-5726 voice
503-725-5727 fax
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