Applications to participate in The University of Findlay’s UF-Kake Bridge Program, a four-week educational study tour of Japan, are being accepted through Dec. 12.
   
The 2009 tour will be June 27 to July 22. Full-time students, faculty and staff of the University are eligible to apply. Formal study of Japanese language and culture is not part of the selection criteria.

Those selected will be required to register for the course JAPN499, study abroad, for a minimum of one credit hour and a maximum of three credit hours; auditing the course is acceptable. The group will meet once each week during the spring semester with some additional meetings up to the date of departure.
   
Selected participants also will be expected to be involved in the Kake Ambassador Program, which will take place in the fall. The University will host a group of approximately 10 students from Japan for three weeks.
   
The cost to participate in the program will be approximately $2,000 and will cover airfare to and from Japan; miscellaneous transportation, luggage deliveries and other expenses; and program fees. The cost will be finalized in February 2009.
   
Additional questions about the program can be directed to Dr. Hiroaki Kawamura at kawamura@findlay.edu or 419-434-4619. To request an application form, contact Cathy Donovan at Donovan@findlay.edu or 419-434-4711.
   
The UF-Kake Bridge Program began in 2003. More than 50 students, faculty and staff have participated. The Kake Group, which includes both the Kake and Takahashi educational institutions, was founded in 1961 and manages more than 30 educational organizations. The group was founded by the late Dr. Tsutomu Kake; he left Kake to his son, Dr. Kotaro Kake, and Takahashi to his daughter, Miyako Kake.
   
Both Dr. Tsutomu Kake and Dr. Kotaro Kake are recipients of honorary doctorates from UF. Dr. Kotaro Kake also is a member of the UF Board of Trustees.