Programs
Japan Beyond the Classroom
Program Introduction
Program Leader: Atsuko Sakai
Japan Beyond the Classroom gives students the opportunity to explore Japan鈥檚 diverse cities, landscapes, cuisine and cultures from various perspectives. Together, students will visit cultural sites such as Buddhism temples in Kyoto and Nara, learn about the Japanese public health system at Gifu University, experience the country鈥檚 natural beauty through hikes, and build lasting memories as a class while living, learning and engaging with Japanese culture.
Japan is like a 鈥減eriod鈥� at the end of a sentence. Whether in religion, culture or technology, Japan was often the final destination for various movements flowing east. As these movements traveled through other countries and eventually crossed the ocean, they evolved to reflect the geological and geographical contexts of the regions they passed through. It鈥檚 reminiscent of the children鈥檚 game 鈥渨hisper down the valley.鈥� Our geographic studies explore Japan鈥檚 overall history, current socioeconomic issues, natural environment, and cultural identity through language, arts and architecture.
Coursework
Spring 2026 | Jan. 12 - May 7, 2026
Students must be enrolled in IDH 4200: Geographical Perspectives 鈥� Japan Beyond the Classroom during spring 2026 to participate in the study abroad trip.
The purpose of the course is not only to build geographical knowledge about Japan, but also to draw multiple perspectives by examining the complexity of a country and the relationships with other countries. The challenge was and is a balancing act between its own originality and the adaptation of outside influences. Zipangu, once known as the Land of Gold, in 鈥淭he Travels of Marco Polo鈥� now has many cultural traditions to share from the tea ceremony to architecture as well as recent pop cultures.
Students will examine the history of Japan and analyze various artifacts, literature, arts, and designed objects and spaces that reflect cultural practices and beliefs across time periods. Course assignments include weekly discussion points collected in study journals, student-led class discussions, a global citizens project and a final portfolio.
Potential Excursions
- Visiting temples in Kyoto/Nara
- Participating in a Kimono experience (wearing traditional Yukata, Kimono for summer)
- Visiting partner university, Gifu University for medical/health related topics
- Engaging in an architecture-related workshop with children in Osaka
- City walk in Tokyo
Program Dates
Spring 2026 | May 15 - 29, 2026
- Application opens: July 1, 2025
- Application closes: Oct. 15, 2025
- Course dates: Jan. 12 - May 7, 2026
- Travel dates: May 15 - 29, 2026 (dates subject to change)
Note: Space in the Japan Beyond the Classroom study abroad program is limited, so students are encouraged to apply early.
Program Costs
- 2026 Program Cost: TBD
- 2024 Program Cost: $4179.00
Program Accessibility
On this trip, there will be abundant walking every day 鈥� including up and down stairs/hills. If you have any questions about the accessibility needs of participating in the trip, please contact Professor Sakai.
What Students Have to Say
"The actual experience far exceeded my expectations for this trip. It was planned out so well by Professor Sakai. Something I definitely underestimated was the connection we'd make with the Gifu University students. When we were in Gifu, we got to meet fourth-year medical students, third-year nursing students, and then first-year medical students. I underestimated this connection because I thought the language barrier would be difficult to overcome, however, their English was very good, and with Google Translate as well as our program leader鈥檚 helpful language guide, we were able to talk about our hobbies, favorite foods, day-to-day experiences, family, etc. I'm still in touch with most of them, which is something I would not have experienced otherwise.鈥� 鈥� Jasmine Haroun