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.

Our stay in the Wakayama area is thoughtfully organized to include morning Japanese language classes, followed by afternoon Independent Study Projects (ISPs) guided by local mentors and organizations. Students engage in a combination of group and solo activities, allowing them to explore the city, access interesting events, and experience Japanese culture through cuisine and arts. Evenings are reserved for quality time with homestay families which offer a firsthand experience of life within a Japanese family. As our time in Wakayama draws to a close, we journey to nearby Koyasan, a sacred Buddhist mountain retreat, where students immerse themselves in the teachings of Zen Buddhism and practice meditation alongside the resident monks.

Feeling more acclimated to Japanese life, students take the reins to plan a selected excursion under the mentorship of their instructors. This “expedition phase” of the program is an amazing opportunity to put into practice all of the travel skills gained over the past weeks and learn how to navigate through Japan as a more seasoned traveler. After this final student-led adventure, we arrive at a quiet guesthouse outside Kyoto to spend our last few days together reflecting on everything we’ve learned and experienced over the past 3 weeks.