Japan

The 2026 Japan Program will take place in Lafayette and Tokyo:

May 11–15, 2026: Moving Image Art courses in Lafayette

May 18–21, 2026: Nursing courses in Lafayette

June 2–16, 2026: Moving Image Art and Nursing courses in Tokyo

About the Program

Immerse yourself in Japan's rich cinematic and cultural heritage with this unique study abroad program. Through a deep exploration of Japanese films and animation, you’ll gain insights into how cinema reflects and critiques societal issues such as immigration, socio-economic divides, ageism, and nuclear conflict. The program combines engaging film screenings, discussions, and field trips to iconic locations featured in the films. These excursions provide a hands-on experience of Japan’s cultural landscape, allowing you to connect the stories portrayed on screen with their real-world settings.

By enrolling in these courses, you will engage with some of today’s most urgent global issues—from health and climate action to innovation and cultural preservation.

About Japan

Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where centuries-old cultural practices coexist with cutting-edge innovation. In Hiroshima, you will explore how the essence of place shapes cinematic narratives, examining how filmmakers use visual storytelling to reflect and critique the social and cultural environment.

The program culminates in a final research project, where you will analyze a Japanese film of your choice, reflecting on its portrayal of social issues and weaving in insights from your experiences throughout Japan. This immersive journey provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage deeply with cinema, culture, and the stories that continue to shape Japanese society.

Program Requirements

The program cost is $4,299, plus ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµ fees of $TBD, totaling $TBD.
After you have applied for your desired program, you must make a deposit of $500 via ULINK. The $500 deposit is applied towards the cost of the program. The initial deadline to apply and pay the deposit is December 16th. A $100 late fee will be charged after December 16th. 

View Payment Policies & Instructions.
Program cost includes tuition for 6 credit hours, double occupancy lodging, welcome and farewell dinners and two-day trips. Airline information will be provided to the group of participants, but airfare is not included in the program cost and must be purchased by the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµ. 

English: Moving Image Arts Courses with Geoffrey Marschall

Join us for an immersive journey through Japanese cinema that will enrich your understanding of both film and society. In this course, you'll analyze thought-provoking Japanese films and animation that tackle topics such as immigration, socio-economic divides, ageism, and nuclear conflict.
Through engaging film screenings and discussions, you'll develop a deep understanding of cinematic language and how it portrays complex social issues. Discover how Japanese culture shapes these portrayals and gain insights into the cultural context behind the stories.

The course includes unique field trips to locations featured in the films or that highlight the thematic issues discussed. As a culminating project, you'll write a paper analyzing a Japanese film and its representation of social issues, incorporating elements from our explorations in Japan.

Discover how the essence of a city shapes its stories!

In this course, you will learn the profound impact of location on storytelling, delving into films that are deeply rooted in specific places. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic backdrop of Hiroshima, we’ll examine how various cities and countries influence cinematic narratives.

Through a wide-ranging selection of films—both those made in Japan and those set in other global locales—we will analyze how filmmakers create stories that are inextricably linked to their settings. We’ll explore how these films ground their narratives in their unique locations and how the visual language of film enhances the storytelling process.

Nursing Courses with Arielle St. Romain

Examine how cultural, social, and global factors impact health and healthcare systems around the world. This course provides ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµs with the unique opportunity to interact directly with citizens and healthcare professionals in the region of study, exploring local healthcare challenges while comparing them to the U.S. healthcare system.

ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµs will participate in tours and discussions at notable sites, including the Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum, Japanese Nursing Association, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and Meguro Parasitological Museum, among others. These immersive experiences will allow ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµs to observe healthcare in action, understand the social and cultural contexts that shape it, and develop a global perspective on population health and medical practice.

Explore the genetic factors and healthcare perspectives that shape the human condition in Japan. This course offers ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµs the opportunity to examine how science, medicine, and culture intersect to influence health and wellbeing in Japanese society.

ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµs will engage in tours and discussions at notable sites, including the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Japanese Medical Education History Museum, Kyoto ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµ, Kyoto National Museum, and Tokyo ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓÆµâ€™s Medical Science Museum, among others. These immersive experiences will provide firsthand insight into Japan’s approaches to healthcare, medical education, and the broader social and cultural context of wellness.

Immerse yourself in the intersection of health, culture, and community wellness in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan. This study abroad course moves beyond traditional clinical practice to highlight the role of nurses as cultural ambassadors and advocates for holistic well-being in a global context.

Japan Contacts