Waseda TSA (Thematic Study Abroad)

Location | Program Description | Class Schedule | Rules & Recommendations | Frequently Asked Questions

Program Options

Option 1: Comparative Global Studies
This program provides Waseda students with the unique opportunity to study in two countries during their year abroad. The first semester is in Claremont and focuses on American Studies. Through foundation courses, electives, and a service internship in the local community, students gain a deeper understanding of American culture within a global context. In the second semester, Waseda students join Pitzer students on one of Pitzer's study abroad programs in Australia, Botswana, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, or Thailand. In this model, the intercultural learning is enhanced for both Pitzer and Waseda students as they become more aware of how their own cultural background affects their common entry into yet a third culture. To participate in these programs, Waseda students must demonstrate eligibility, adequate personal and academic preparation and the appropriateness of the additional overseas experience to their overall educational plan. Students pursuing this option will work closely with their Pitzer academic advisor to determine if this option is suitable for them or if they should opt for a second semester in Claremont. Pitzer sites open for enrollment abroad may vary from semester to semester.

Option 2: Design Your Own Program
In their first semester, students in this program will participate in the foundation courses on American studies, electives, and a volunteer internship described above. In the second semester under the careful guidance of the TSA advisor, students will design an in-depth program concentrating in a field of study for which Pitzer has areas of curricular specialization: Recommended fields include but are not limited to: Media Studies, Linguistics, Teaching English as a Second Language, Environmental Studies, and Psychology/Neuroscience.

Housing and Meal Plan

Housing
Waseda students will be accommodated with English-speaking students as roommates either on campus in doubles or triples or in shared apartments within walking distance of the campus. The majority of the undergraduate students at The Claremont Colleges live in on-campus housing since these are residential colleges. This creates a welcoming and integrative environment for international students. Home stays with local families are also an option for TSA students.

Meal Plan
Students will receive a full meal plan of 16 meals per week plus $160 “Flex Dollars” per semester, which can be used at any of the eleven cafeterias at the Claremont Colleges. Home stays include five meals/week on campus for lunch. Other meals are taken with the host family. Families will provide transportation to and from the College.

Click here for more details about student life at Pitzer College.

Opportunities for Learning Through Experience

A hallmark of Pitzer’s programs for international students has been the high level of integration with regular students at the College. This has been achieved through living arrangements, orientation programs, the infrastructure for international student support at the Claremont Colleges, our discussion leader program, community service opportunities, and the naturally integrative nature of a small, private, liberal arts college.

Orientation Programs
Beginning with a brief home stay with a local family, all new international students at the Claremont Colleges (including TSA students) have an orientation period preceding the Welcome Week at each college. They are guided toward academic, cultural, and social integration through daily workshops at International Place, our five-college international support organization. Their host families introduce them to Claremont and surrounding areas and assist them with acquiring such things as bicycles, bank accounts, and decorations for their dorm rooms. Throughout the year, International Place provides weekly lunches featuring international themes as well as moderately priced excursions to attractions such as Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, and the Grand Canyon.

Discussion Leaders
As part of the TSA program in the fall semester, students will be assigned in groups of 3-4 to a Pitzer student, who will meet with them 4 hours/week for small group discussion. It is the responsibility of the Pitzer Discussion Leader to introduce TSA students to an ever growing circle of Pitzer acquaintances, connect them to social events on campus, and introduce them to student clubs and activities (music, intramural sports, five-college events, etc.)

Integrative Events and Opportunities
A variety of events designed to highlight the cultural, linguistic, and personal assets of our students in international programs are held each semester. They include:

Welcome-Welcome Back Dinner which brings together Pitzer students returning from study abroad and new international students at the College, along with faculty and staff for an evening of good food and conversation.
An International Potluck for the PACE faculty and staff, discussion leaders, roommates, and international students to share food from around the world.
An International Banquet in the fall for the community featuring music, dance, and other performances by international students at the Claremont Colleges.
An International Festival in the spring for the community featuring food, music, dance, and games organized by the international students at the Claremont Colleges.
Weekly International Place Lunch and Conversations, featuring faculty from Claremont and visiting faculty speaking to prominent themes of international interest. The lunches are attended by about 150 students and faculty — half international, half American.
Community Service Opportunities: A majority of Pitzer students are engaged in community service activities throughout their four years at the College. Placements are made through the staff of the Center for California Cultural and Social Issues and are available to TSA students.
Student Clubs: TSA students may join one of the more than 50 clubs operating at the Claremont Colleges. They may also participate in credit or non-credit activities in the arts, such as concert choir, chamber orchestra, voice lessons, painting, sculpture, drawing, corporeal mime, ballet, salsa dancing, and jazz and modern dance. Golf, tennis, swimming, aikido, body building, yoga, horseback riding, scuba diving and a wide range of other physical sports are included in the online course listing of the five colleges and open to enrollment by TSA students.

Facilitation Plan

TSA Specific Advising
Each TSA student will be assigned two advisers. The first is a faculty member of our Modern Languages, Literatures and Culture Department, who will serve as academic advisor and guide them in the selection of courses. The advisor will provide ongoing support as the student moves through the year. The second adviser is Associate Director of International Programs, who will provide co-curricular and personal support for matters related to immigration, student life, and medical care.

Credits
Waseda will issue final credits for study done abroad. This will usually be 24-30 semester credit hours and students will take at least the minimum number of courses required to qualify as a full time international students.

Coordinators

Jillanne Thomas, Academic Director, TSA Program
jillanne_thomas@pitzer.edu