Upon our international arrival to Osaka, we proceed to Wakayama, where we settle into a local guesthouse for our in-country orientation. We begin to build connections with one another, familiarize ourselves with the health and safety protocols for the course, and get acquainted with the culture in which we’ll spend the next three weeks together. Following our orientation days, we transition into a homestay and commence with daily Japanese language classes to increase our ability to engage with the community.

In Kyotango, students settle into coastal homestay life and build daily routines with their host families. Each morning begins with interactive language lessons that strengthen communication skills for real-life situations. After lunch, the group engages in community-focused activities, such as visiting a sea-waste recycling NGO, conducting beach cleanups, or exploring a kimono fabric workshop to learn about the history and shifting role of kimono making. Evenings are spent at home with host families, where students experience everyday traditions, shared meals, and the blend of cultural heritage and modern life that defines this welcoming seaside community.

After the homestays, we transition to Kyoto, where students dive deeper into Japan’s culture and heritage through research-based or hands-on Independent Study Projects with local mentors. Feeling more acclimated to Japanese life, students then take the reins to plan a group excursion. This student-led expedition allows them to apply newly gained travel skills and navigate Japan with confidence still under the mentorship and supervision of their instructors. After this final adventure, we gather at a quiet guesthouse outside Tokyo to spend our last days together, reflecting on the lessons, connections, and experiences that have shaped our three-week journey.