Program Overview

Introduction to the 2026 Tokyo Spring/Summer Program

The 2026 Tokyo Spring/Summer Program offers students a unique opportunity to learn in the world's largest and most complex city. This semester-long educational experience is designed for students in the Master of Architecture program and aims to enhance their professional education with learning opportunities in an international context.

Program Overview

The program is based in Tokyo, Japan, and provides students with a well-rounded design education. Tokyo, with its rich history, steeped traditions, intricate character, and innovative design, offers a unique learning environment. The program allows students to engage with ideas, practices, and precedents beyond the confines of Calgary, preparing them for architecture and environmental design challenges in Alberta, Canada, and globally.

Key Information

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Format

• Language: English
• Semester: Spring 2026

Requirements

This program is only open to graduate students in good academic standing in a program in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

Academic Information

Courses Offered

Students on this program are required to enroll in the following courses:

1. ARCH 688 - Special Studio Topics in Architecture (6 credits)
2. ARCH 675 - Urban Systems (3 credits)

Prerequisites

Enrollment in this program

Itinerary

Pre-departure

• Students will be required to attend one Pre-Departure Session in Winter 2026, date TBD.
• Other pre-departure activities:
  • Tokyo Program Overview - TBD
  • Japan General Orientation - TBD

In-field

• May 1: Travel day to Tokyo
• May 2 & 3: Students must arrive in Tokyo and move into their accommodation
• May 4 – July 22: Students will participate in lectures, tours, and assignments throughout the city and at the studio space in Tokyo
• July 24: Final Studio Review
• July 25: Students free to return to Calgary or continue on for independent travel

Post-field

Post-program due dates subject to professor's discretion.

Costs and Funding

Costs

The estimated cost of the 2026 Tokyo Spring/Summer Program is $15,146, including tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations, and meals.

Funding

• Students can take their UCalgary funding with them, remaining eligible for awards and scholarships from the university, as well as student loans.
• The Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award are available.
• Waterman Study Abroad Funding will be available for MArch students.
• Mary-Ellen M. Tyler Travel Award in Master of Landscape Architecture = $2,000
• Mary-Ellen M. Tyler Travel Award in Master of Planning = $2,000

Accommodation

Students will be booking their own accommodations and are responsible for the quality. The professor will have suggestions on convenient locations within the city.

Eligibility and How to Apply

This program is only open to students enrolled in a graduate program in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape who are in good academic standing.

Statement of Purpose

• The statement should explain why the student wants to study abroad, why they have selected this particular program, and how it will meet their academic objectives.
• The statement should be composed in advance in Word to check for spelling, grammar, and word count, then pasted into the online application.

Additional Information and FAQs

Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying. The FAQs can be found on the program's website.

Previous Program Experiences

The program has received positive feedback from past participants, who have appreciated the unique learning opportunities and experiences provided by the program.

Program Advisor

The advisor for this program is Andrea Santos V.