Tracing Japan's Enchanting Culture and Nature

May 6-28, 2026

FIU’s Tracing Japan’s Enchanting Culture and Nature is a 3-week content program designed to enhance students’ global citizenship, adaptability, and confidence by immersing them in Japan’s rich cultural heritage and nature. During the program, students will explore ancient castles and temples and will participate in some of their ceremonies. They will work alongside local students and artisans and attend cultural events such as Sumo. Students will even walk down an ancient route. It will be an enriching adventure. Join us this summer!

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

During the trip, following in Matsuo Basho’s footsteps, we will visit many cities and towns: from today’s capital, Tokyo, to Japan’s medieval capital, Kyoto. We will also spend time in Nikko, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. In Matsushima, we will take a cruise and explore temples, gardens, and museums. While in Nakasendo, we will walk from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku.

HOUSING

Students will share hotel or hostel double rooms in every big city. When in Nakasendo, we will sleep at a temple, and the rooms will be shared among students of the same sex. While in Matsushima, we will stay at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and the rooms will be shared in groups of 4. All breakfasts are included (as long as the time when they are served is followed). At the temple, we will also be offered dinner (2). We will travel from location to location with either a private bus or metro and local and bullet trains.
*except for the temple stay, all rooms have a private bathroom and a shower/bathtub.

SEMESTER

Summer A

DATES

May 6-28, 2026

COURSES & CREDITS 

Students register for a total of 3 credits:

• ASN 3503 - Exploring East Asia: Travel to Japan (3 credits)

PROGRAM COST

The cost of the program is $5,350.  It includes student housing, all planned excursions, tickets to a Sumo tournament, all breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners, program travel (as described in "Housing & Courses"), and international health insurance.  The program cost does not include airfare, FIU tuition for three academic credits ($205.57/credit), the $195 non-refundable education abroad fee, some meals, and visa (if applicable).

Payment Dates

Intensive Language and Culture in Kyoto Program fee - $2,448.23 (see table for deadlines)

Cancellation and/or Refund Policy

$500 deposit is non-refundable

$195 OEA fee is non-refundable

For cancellation policy of FIU tuition and fees, please click here.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

This program has intense physical activity. Participants concerned about the level of physical activity should contact the faculty director of the program.

APPLICATION THROUGH THE OFFICE OF STUDY ABROAD

Office of Study Abroad Online Application

Apply here →

Deadline January 31, 2026

Non-FIU students must apply to FIU as a Non-Degree seeking student as well.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

• OEA Scholarship
• Destiny Lawson Study Abroad Endowment Scholarship
• Gilman Scholarship Program
• Fund for Education Abroad
• Rupert L. Lyn Capstone Scholarship - Open to Global Learning Medallion students only

There are additional scholarships available to students, such as OEA scholarships, National Prestigious Scholarships, and country and discipline-specific national scholarships. We highly encourage students to apply to as many scholarships as they qualify for. Learn about additional scholarships at Funding - Scholarships.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Marcela Lopez Bravo, Ph.D.  
Faculty Director, Tracing Japan Study Abroad Program
Email: mlopezbr@fiu.edu 

Scholarships available. Contact the FIU Office of Study Abroad for more information:
Email: edabroad@fiu.edu    Phone#: 305-348-1913

Note: FIU is not responsible for delays, changes in itinerary, changes in the content and cost of the program or other matters that are beyond their control.