Spring Break Alternative Program in Japan through World Campus-Japan

The World Campus-Japan program is now available as a 2-week Alternative Spring Break program in March or April. Explore Japanese culture and society through this intimate short-term educational travel program with participants from around the globe. The program travels to a different location each week, allowing you the opportunity to experience a cross-section of the country rather than only one city. In each location, the program gives you unique access to the Japanese culture and society. You will interact with people from all walks of life – from business professionals and government officials to school children and disabled citizens - through a variety of community activities, events, and homestay experiences.

World Campus-Japan Provides Unique Access to Japan 1)Experience deep-rooted traditions... Visit and learn about practices at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples Take part in a green tea ceremony Soak in a hot-spring spa Join a seasonal festival Try your hand at a taiko drum 2) Experience modern society... Tour local, regional and international businesses Build relationships while living with local host families Learn about life in both large cities and smaller communities Attend formal courtesy visits with mayors and governors 3) Experience giving back... Use your creative talents in our weekly community Thank-you Event Visit and interact with school children, the elderly and disabled people Present your culture, politics and beliefs Exchange ideas with local people and multinational classmates

LEARN MORE ABOUT WORLD CAMPUS-JAPAN: VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION> READ WORLD CAMPUS-JAPAN BLOG>     VIEW PROGRAM PROFILE> (provides cost, dates, and other important information)   APPLY NOW> (To apply to this program, select "Summer or January Course" from the program type drop down menu on the application.)

From a Past Participant

"Since I came off the plane, people in Japan have been so wonderful to me. So far I have made many friends and I’m certain we will remain in contact long after this program is over. I have also become really close with my host family. They are the nicest people in the world. They remind me of my own family in the United States, always happy and joking around. They said that my roommate and I are a part of the family now, so we can ask and have anything we want. There are so kind!

"However, the most touching experience so far for me in Japan was at a mentally handicapped facility in Ueda City. We played games with the patients, including with a small softball, soccer, and a number of other traditional Japanese games. I even tried walking on bamboo sticks, which is a lot more difficult than it looks. They gave us handmade origami to show their respect and happiness towards us. It was truly a moving and rewarding experience for all of us."

- E. Gibson-Thompson, Summer 2008 Participant