Program Details
Program Eligibility
About
Japanese history is rich in its production of craft objects. Kyoto and Tokyo have both established themselves as centers of artistry and culture. Examine the inspiration and history of Japanese arts, discovering their connection with greater Asia as well as Western influences. In this course you will immerse yourself in Japanese art, exploring contemporary and historically significant works, as well as interact with both art and history through visits to places such as the Ryoan-ji Temple, Raku Museum, and the Urasenke Tea Museum. You will participate in several traditional art workshops in both Kyoto and Tokyo. You will also connect with local artists for a cultural exchange of ideas, exploration of art, and hands-on experiences with traditional materials.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions in Kyoto may include visits to:
- Kinkaku-ji temple
- Urasenke Tea Museum
- Ryoan-ji temple
- Day trip to Nara
- 3 days in Nagoya (Arimatsu Shibori, Tokoname Pottery and Mino Washi visits)
- traditional art workshops
Excursions in Tokyo may include visits to:
- Tokyo National Museum
- Tokyo Modern Art Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
- Cooking class
- Kabuki Theater performance
- traditional art workshops
- Artist studios
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and reflect on aspects of intercultural sensitivity and development
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Tetsuya Yamada, professor in the Art Department, College of Liberal Arts.
Program Structure
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
If you are interested in engaging with Japanese art history, this program will appeal to you. Examine historical and contemporary art, explore its effect within Japan and the Western art community, and think about how the works might apply to your own life. You will engage in local visits to cultural and historical sites, participate in traditional art workshops, and visit studios of various local artists.
Receive credit for: ARTS 3490/5490
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being—The traditional Japanese diet is a whole-foods-based diet rich in fish, seafood, and plant-based foods with minimal animal protein. While we spend time in Japan, we will discuss the food culture and impact on health and the way of living in Japan.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities/SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities—The process of using tactile paving (truncated domes) on sidewalks and train stations to help blind people navigate originates in Japan. As we travel through the country, we will discuss accessibility in different areas. In addition, we will experience a public transportation-rich culture and use these systems whenever possible.
This class will also incorporate SDG elements while observing the culture and discussions, providing an additional lens through which to learn about Japan.
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
May Session 2025 | May 15–June 6, 2025 (tentative) | February 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
Date | Time | Location |
---|---|---|
TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May Session 2025 cost of participation forthcoming.
The cost of participation can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,500–$9,000. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Mondale Scholarship
There is an external scholarship that is available for this program. The deadline is July 18, 2024. Any questions on this scholarship should be directed to the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) staff at [email protected]
Learn more about the Mondale Scholarship at the JASM website.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May Session 2023
Global Seminar: Influence of Art & Artifacts in JapanMay Session 2023 |
|
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Program Fee
|
|
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $5,676 |
International health insurance | $50 |
Housing and/or mealsStudents will be housed in shared rooms. Welcome, farewell, additional arrival meals included along with cooking class. | $1,194 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $1,695 |
Total Program Fee | $9,015 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $8,515 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $0 |
Travel clinic/immunizations*Visit your travel clinic and consult for any costs | $50 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $200 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $0 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeAccess to a kitchen/grocery store available in most program locations | $700 |
Essential daily living expenses | $200 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $900 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $9,615 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $500 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to