Harvard Summer Program in Yokohama, Japan (RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology)
This page contains content from the Summer School 2009. For current information, visit the Harvard Summer School website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
Information on the programs being offered summer 2010 will be available online in early September.
Cutting-edge science internships in Yokohama
Faculty: Takao Hensch and principal investigators at the RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology
(8 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
Program dates: June 8–August 16
Application deadline: February 2
Cost: $5,250
Experience science in Japan at the RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology (RCAI). This 10-week course begins with a private tutorial by RCAI faculty on basic immunology, followed by an international lecture series at the graduate level culminating in a cutting-edge symposium by world leaders in the field. Students then enter RCAI host labs to conduct basic research alongside young Japanese scientists. On-site language courses and weekend excursions to nearby cultural sites such as Kamakura and Mt. Fuji are an integral component.
Course of study
BIOS S-98r Study Abroad in Yokohama, Japan (RIKEN): Reading and Research in Immunology
Students choose a laboratory for their independent research project based on their academic interests.
BIOS S-142 Study Abroad in Yokohama, Japan (RIKEN): Cellular and Genetic View on Autoimmunity
The RIKEN Research Center for Allergy and Immunology (RCAI), the first and largest research institution dedicated to allergy and immunology in Japan, aims to provide young scientists with the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge immunology research. In addition to hands-on bench research, the course consists of a basic immunology primer from RCAI faculty, lectures from internationally distinguished immunologists and a Japanese language course. This year, we focus on cellular and genetic views on autoimmunity divided into four sections: genetics in autoimmunity, balancing regulation of autoimmunity by Treg and Th17 cells, involvement of pathogens in autoimmunity, and molecular basis of autoimmunity.
Prerequisites for both courses: laboratory experience to be determined by the instructor.
Course credit
For Harvard College students, this program counts as 4 credits of summer independent research and 4 credits of elective course degree credit.
Transfer credit. Harvard Summer School courses and credits are accepted toward degrees at most colleges and universities. Since degree requirements vary among schools, students are advised to obtain transfer credit approval from their home institutions before registering for Harvard Summer School courses.
Faculty
Takao Hensch, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old to apply. The application materials, outlined below, are due February 2:
- An application form (the application period for this program has ended)
- Official transcripts (sent directly from schools to the address below; unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, relevant coursework, and travel experience abroad (not a prerequisite)
Applications should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students will be notified of admission decisions by mid-March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $5,250, plus a nonrefundable $50 application fee. In addition, students are responsible for a health insurance fee ($165; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States) and for transportation to and from Yokohama. The cost of the program covers the following:
- Tuition
- Room and some meals
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses.
Payment deadlines
Harvard Summer School online services allows accepted students to make payments or deposits with a valid credit card.
Students can also mail their payment, along with a completed Study Abroad Payment Form (available in Forms), to:
Student Financial Services
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
For those admitted to the program, a nonrefundable deposit of $525 must be received by April 15 to secure a place in the program. Payment in full is due by May 15. A $100 late fee will be charged for payments received after this date.
Funding
Harvard College students are eligible for funding through the Harvard College Office of International Programs (OIP), as well as a variety of centers around campus. All Harvard Summer School study abroad programs qualify for summer funding. Programs of eight weeks or longer in duration (including extensions of Harvard Summer School Programs approved by faculty members) qualify for Rockefeller International Experience Grants; programs of shorter duration qualify for other summer grants.
Students may consult the Funding Sources Database for more information on all sources of funding. Please note that the funding application deadline for summer grants and Rockefeller International Experience Grants is February 27.
To apply for any study abroad funding, students need to provide information about the program’s budget, submit an application through the Common Application for Research and Travel (CARAT), as well as supplementary documents to the relevant center, if necessary. Additional information on the funding application process is available through CARAT.
Also see the Harvard College Financial Aid Office summer school page for information about assistance.
Other Harvard students may be eligible for financial assistance through their Harvard financial aid offices. Students enrolled at other institutions should consult their respective financial aid offices.
For information on Reischauer Institute funding opportunities, please visit Reischauer’s webpage on fellowships and grants.
Accommodations
Interns reside in dorms inhabited by exchange students studying at various institutions in Yokohama.
Additional information
Contact Takao Hensch, takao.hensch@childrens.harvard.edu.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible: (617) 495-0977, (617) 495-9419 (TTY), or disabilities@dcemail.harvard.edu. Request-for-accommodation forms and supporting diagnostic documentation must be submitted by April 15. See the Disability Services page for more information about disability services, including request forms and guidelines for documentation.
Students applying for admission to Harvard’s study abroad programs should understand that although the University provides reasonable assistance and support to facilitate the participation of qualified students in its programs (including students with disabilities and health impairments), some of our programs are located in parts of the world where accommodations may not be readily available. Students are encouraged to be forthcoming with the disability services coordinator about any specific needs and functional limitations so that the Summer School can collaborate with those students in a way that fosters their safe participation and allows them to fully appreciate any barriers that they may face, depending on the location and rigors of the particular program.
Harvard Summer School is aware of the risks associated with international travel. Should the US Department of State issue a travel warning for any of the countries in which a study abroad program is planned, the program in that country may be canceled.