Program Overview

2026 Japan Travel Program

Overview

The 2026 Japan Travel Program offers a two-week journey of cultural discovery, inviting students to explore Japan's vibrant traditions, modern lifestyles, and regional diversity. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions with local people, participants gain a genuine understanding of life in Japan beyond the classroom.

Program Details

Program Package

The program package costs $3,700 per person and includes:

• 3 credit course (WLL295 and WLL695) with several assignments
• Accommodations in Japan
• Travel Insurance
• Class field trips, cultural and select tours (partially)
• Local transportation (bullet trains and local trains)

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for:

• Transportation to and from Japan
• Passport/visa fees
• Individual sightseeing and incidental expenses
• All meals except those listed above
• Additional costs if staying in Japan after the program ends on June 2

Itinerary

Travel Dates

• May 18 (Mon.): Depart the United States
• May 19 (Tue.): Stay in Tokyo (partner school visits, traditional music workshop, etc.)
• May 24 (Sun.): Stay in Kanazawa (partner school visit, traditional cultural workshop, etc.)
• May 26 (Tue.): Stay in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo (calligraphy workshop, etc.)
• May 30 (Sat.): Stay in Hiroshima (Peace Memorial Museum, Miyajima, etc.)
• June 2 (Tue.): Return to the United States via Tokyo Haneda Airport

Transportation and Housing

• Local public transportation and taxis in cities as well as bullet trains between cities will be available
• Double-occupancy rooms will be accommodated
• Breakfast is not included

Things to Consider

• There is a lot of walking (at least 4-5 miles every day) during the program
• There are many cultural differences to understand and respect
• The passport must be valid before travel

Cost

• $3,700 (including $500 deposit, non-refundable) must be paid in advance
• Covers domestic transportation and housing, activity fees, accompaniment of faculty, travel insurance, tuition and admission processing fees, excursions, and some group meals
• International flights and meals are NOT included

University Credit

• University credit, included in the fee, may be earned in:
  • 3 credit course (WLL295 and WLL695)

Registration and Fee Payment Schedule

• A $500 non-refundable deposit must be paid to obtain permission to register in this program
• Deposit is applied toward total program fees of $3700
• All fees are required to be paid in full prior to course start date

Drop and Refund Policy

• If you drop the program, for any reason, and a replacement participant cannot be found to take your place, a refund may not be possible
• Due to the costs and logistics of travel programs, refunds will consist only of that portion of the payment that is retrievable from the various agencies used in providing the program

Passport Requirements

• It is imperative participants acquire valid U.S. passports and any other required travel documents
• Passport processing may take 10-12 weeks, so plan accordingly
• Depending on the country, you may be required to apply for a visa

Standard Responsibility Clause

• The University acts as an agent for the companies and individuals whose services have been engaged in the carrying out of the tour and, in consequence, accepts no responsibility for accidents, damages, baggage losses, delays due to strikes or to faults of any company used for carrying out this tour
• Prices are subject to change without notice

Potential Scholarships

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship
• Golden Key Joan Nelson Study Abroad Scholarship
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Study Abroad Grant
• Student Loans

Notes

• Dates and costs are subject to change depending upon rate increases and currency exchanges
• A portion of program fees may be used to pay hosting expenses