Earthquake & Tsunami hits Japan March 11, 2011

"Japan, Tradition & Change" by Lucien Ellington. 1990.

When I attended the NCTA's Seminar at the University of Florida, they gave us a pile of books. Don't you just love free stuff? When I switched careers to become a teacher, one of the deciding factors was the simple fact that I love to learn. I had no idea there would be so many educational opportunities provided.

This book is very easy to read while also being very informative. Unfortunately, it appears to be out of print. However, the author has a newer book that looks like an updated version. Twice the number of pages though. "Japan (Asia in Focus)".

Japan's Geography. Japan is comprised of four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, plus THOUSANDS of smaller ones. From its northernmost tip in Hokkaido to its southernmost in Kyusu, Japan extends from Maine to Alabama. Because Japan is separated from the rest of Asia by water, even its distance to Korea and China are great, it avoided invasion until 1945 (WWII). Due to minimal immigration or migration the Japanese race has maintained its homogeneity.

National Consortium for Teaching About Asia

Woo hoo. I'm going to China and Japan. The trip is sponsored by the NCTA.

Here's some information about the NCTA:

The National Consortium for Teaching About Asia provides professional development for K-12 Teachers.

The National Consortium for Teaching about Asia was launched in October 1998. A nationwide program, NCTA is a collaboration of the East Asian Studies programs of seven national institutions -- Columbia University, Five College Center for East Asian Studies at Smith College, Indiana University, the University of Colorado, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Southern California, and the University of Washington.

Our travel is being arranged through Columbia University which is the National Coordinating Site for the NCTA. Information about the trip and the application were obtained from Columbia University's website.

Today, I sent verification of travel health insurance to the tour coordinator. I just used the one that they recommended, HTH Worldwide. Kind of unsettling to think that you need insurance that will also pay for a family member to come get you just in case ....