Sep 15 - Oct 19, 2025 |
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Feb 11 - Apr 1, 2026 |
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Amidst the push toward cultural globalization in the internet age, Japan continues to uniquely blend long held traditions with innovative trends in technology and art. Through immersive workshops, interactive cultural experiences, and language lessons, students will delve into the fascinating history, refined elegance, and cutting edge modernity that define Japanese culture.
Engage in hands-on Independent Study Projects to learn about traditional arts and crafts
Interact with local communities to understand modern-day Japan beyond the well-trodden tourist spaces
Take language lessons to learn basic Japanese language skills, or to build your fluency
Gain deeper understanding of Japanese life through short homestays with carefully selected families
Our journey starts in Osaka where students begin by transitioning to the serene mountains of Wakayama. Here, they take part in orientation activities designed to help them get to know each other and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. As they hike sections of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail and stay in traditional monasteries, students are introduced to the principles of Zen Buddhism and gain insight into spiritual practice through time with local monks.
For two weeks, students live in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, where they dive into daily language classes each morning to build communication skills and deepen their connection to the place. Afternoons are devoted to independent study projects, guided by local mentors who are masters of traditional Japanese arts such as kabuki, ikebana, pottery, and the use of historic materials. Through this immersive experience, students explore their own interests while gaining hands-on insight into the richness of Japan’s artistic heritage.
After their time in Kyoto, students transition to the mountain village of Hakuba for a week-long homestay experience. Known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba offers a unique lens into rural life in modern Japan. Living with local families, students learn about the village’s history and grapple with complex social issues such as an aging population, seasonal tourism, the arrival of migrant workers, and the challenges of preserving traditional lifestyles in a rapidly changing world.
Before heading home, students spend their final days in Tokyo on a student-led expedition. Here, they take the lead—planning activities, navigating the city, and applying the skills they’ve developed over the past five weeks. Whether it’s using their Japanese language abilities, demonstrating leadership, collaborating with peers, or showing intercultural awareness, this time allows students to showcase their growth. The experience concludes with reflection activities, helping students process their journey and consider how to carry the lessons they’ve learned into their lives back home.
Upon our arrival in Osaka, we will proceed to Wakayama, where we will settle into a guesthouse. Here, we’ll begin to build connections with one another, familiarize ourselves with the health and safety protocols for the course, and get acquainted with the environment where we’ll spend the next three weeks together. Following our orientation, we will transition into our homestays and commence our daily Japanese language classes.
Our time in Wakayama is thoughtfully organized to include morning Japanese language classes, followed by afternoon Independent Study Projects (ISPs) guided by local mentors and organizations. Students will engage in both group and solo activities, allowing them to explore the city and deepen their cultural understanding. As our time in Wakayama draws to a close, we will journey to Koyasan, a serene mountain retreat, where students will immerse themselves in the teachings of Buddhism and practice Zen meditation.
Next, we will journey to Japan’s ancient capital, Nara, where we will spend several days exploring its historic Buddhist temples and treasured artworks. Following our time in Nara, we will continue to Kyoto for our homestay experience. During the day, students will explore Kyoto’s rich heritage, delving into traditional arts and crafts through visits to local artisans and participating in hands-on workshops. Evenings will be spent with their homestay families, providing a deeper immersion into Japanese culture and daily life.
Now with more experience of living abroad under your belt, students embrace more ownership over the final week of the program. With the mentorship of instructors, the student group will plan a few days of activities in Osaka. This Student Led Travel, or Expedition Phase, is an amazing chance to build confidence and put into practice all of the travel skills gained over the past weeks. After this final student-led adventure, we will arrive at a quiet guesthouse outside Osaka to spend our last few days together reflecting on everything we’ve learned and experienced over the past 5 weeks.
Our Program Components are the building blocks of every travel experience we offer. Each program emphasizes different activities and themes to help you meaningfully connect with your surroundings. The Program Components are a great way to find an experience that best fits your individual interests and goals.
To deepen your experience abroad, you may choose to enroll in one optional college-level course during the program. For those who choose to enroll, they will be invoiced for an additional college credit fee on top of the program cost.
Students who take a college credit course will receive an official transcript from our university School of Record upon successful completion of the program. Taking advantage of the college credit option may make 529 plan funds eligible toward the entire program cost.
Through our School of Record, you have the option to enroll in one of the following courses for college credit:
Experienced educators. Community builders. Life mentors. With deep regional expertise and local language fluency, our instructors are skilled at providing context for the student experience and building cultural bridges. We collectively draw upon personal networks to create opportunities for connection and guide students along their journey.
