Japan

Program Information

Explore Japan: From Vibrant Tokyo to Historic Nagasaki!
Educational Maymester in Japan is a 3- or 6-credit hour study abroad program, offered for the first time in May/June 2025. This unique experience will deepen your understanding of Japan’s modern and traditional landscapes, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene countryside of Gunma and the historic significance of Nagasaki. Whether you’re interested in Japanese language, history, education or global studies, this program offers interdisciplinary learning, cultural immersion, and the chance to connect with local college students and professionals. Discover the heart of Japan while gaining invaluable global perspectives and building lasting memories!

Length of Program

3 weeks

Locations

Tokyo, Gunma, & Nagasaki
During the program, participants will be immersed in Tokyo’s dynamic urban culture, exploring the innovative intersection of art, science, nature, and technology. They will engage in service learning by visiting some of Gunma’s genkai shūraku (“marginal hamlets” – a merged town or village in Japan that has experienced depopulation and in danger of disappearing altogether), where they will collaborate with local college students to gain insight into the challenges of rural depopulation and community revitalization. In Nagasaki, participants will have opportunities to visit local schools, fostering cross-cultural exchange with local elementary students. They will also delve into Nagasaki’s unique blend of history, culture and global perspectives while working with local university students, gaining a comprehensive perspective on Japan’s complex past and its role in the global landscape.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities offered by Purdue University to cover some or all of the costs for study abroad programs.

• Purdue Moves scholarships
• Purdue Study Abroad scholarship
• Gilman Scholarship
• SAIL Scholarship (Purdue CILMAR)
• Purdue Division of Financial Aid

Academic Information

Course credits will be used to fulfill a major/minor in Japanese and Asian Studies, and also count for both of College of Science Core requirement: General Education and Culture and Diversity. Courses offered during the three-week program:

• EDPS 49000/59000 Japan: Culture, History & Education (3 or 6 credits)