Program Details
Location
Tokyo & various cities,
Japan
Term
Summer Session
Housing
Apartment
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Japan is a unique backdrop for merging program topics: food, chemistry, writing, culture, and sustainability. Engaging with the local culture in such multifaceted ways encourages you to broaden your understanding of the world, challenge assumptions, and develop a more nuanced appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. This program enables you to explore this unique fusion and more through first-hand experiences and reflection opportunities. By visiting local markets, participating in hands-on food-making sessions, or visiting a local temple, each activity becomes a lens through which you can examine your own beliefs and foster personal growth and intercultural awareness.
Whether it is studying the chemistry of sushi rice, exploring local ramen shops, or learning to cook a regional dish, you will notice the intricate interplay of ingredients and techniques, and foster an appreciation for the nuanced approach to flavors in Japanese gastronomy that may differ from their own culinary traditions. In this program, you will also be able to compare restaurants and foods available in different regions of Japan, as well as in rural versus urban settings.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Stay in shared housing with other program participants. A welcome and farewell meal as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee.
Excursions
Excursions in Japan may include:
- Udon Making workshop in Kagawa
- Nametoko Gorge—hiking, water-connected activities
- Sushi Making workshop in Tokyo
- Mt. Takao visit
- Fushimi-Inari—Taisha Shrine in Kyoto
- Gion/Shimashi biking excursion
- Tea ceremony
- Onsen (open-air hot spring bath)
- Fish Market visit
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
- 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 Michelle Nelson & Paul Standstedt of the Center for Learning Innovation.
Michelle Nelson is a chemistry professor who has taught many chemistry courses, including an introduction to chemistry course geared for non-majors and organic chemistry. She has experience using writing to explore science and has traveled abroad to many countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. She has enjoyed learning Japanese and is excited to continue this language-learning journey into the future.
Paul Hanstedt is a writing professor who has taught courses focusing on travel writing and travel literature. He has some of his own travel writing published, and he is experienced in taking students overseas for short-term travel writing courses. His career includes extensive travel experience to the UK, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as living abroad in Hong Kong.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000-level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Coursework
You will be tasked with expanding your understanding of chemistry, sustainable goals, and Japanese culture throughout the program. Various mediums are encouraged to allow you to be creative and support others in the learning process.
You will be required to turn in 3 essay "stems"—the first 5 pages of a more formal nonfiction piece—during the trip. The topic of these stems should explore the contents of the course: , food, chemistry, sustainability, and travel.
One of these “stems” will become a full-length, completed project: a nonfiction essay, a podcast, a photojournal, or a piece for a magazine or blog. This essay's particular genre and topic should explore the course's contents.
You will also post one photo daily on our group Instagram page, starting the first full day we are in country. The photo should include a brief explanation of its relevance to your trip, which can be personal, goal-related, cultural, or involving a possible story.
Approved for: CEL 3xxx
Sustainability
This program will have a variety of diverse experiences throughout Japan that will allow you to see some of the complexities and nuances of Japanese culture as they relate to Sustainable Development Goals. Conversations about sustainability and difficulties associated with implementing practices will occur after the the fish market, discussions on responsible consumption will take place during a vending machine scavenger hunt, and reflections on the clean modes of transportation during a nature hike and biking excursion will provide you with a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between culture, science, and global sustainability goals. Specific SDGs that will be covered include:
SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and Production—Japan has the second-highest plastic consumption per person in the world. Comparing America's per-person plastic consumption— which is even greater than Japan's—will be a moment for reflection. We will discuss some of the key things Japan is doing to meet the SDGs by 2030.
SDG #14: Life Below Water—As visitors to Japan and as global citizens, we will discuss responsible fish consumption. We will also discuss what Japan is doing to improve life below water, such as enacting measures to remove plastic debris, sustain fish stocks, end harmful fishery subsidies, and promote sustainable fisheries on small islands.
SDG #7: Clean Energy—We will discuss modes of transportation and how people can get around without using only their body as an "energy source." We will also include the Japanese culture of walking long distances before and after work and using public transportation.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May Session 2025 | June 3–June 26, 2025 (tentative) | March 15, 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 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming
The cost of participation can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. 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. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,500–$9,000. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
If you are registered for less than 13 credits, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.
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.
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
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
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
Lindsey Lahr at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.9370