By Ren Blauch ’28, Staff Writer
Students of any major will have the opportunity to explore Japanese sports and culture during a new three-week study abroad program this summer.
The program runs from June 18 to July 6, 2027. Most of the time will be spent in Tokyo, with five nights in Osaka and two nights near Mount Fuji.
Dr. Erin Ulrich, clinical associate professor of athletic training and director of clinical education, will teach the course “Sport & Culture in Japan.” The course counts toward both the immersive experience and human diversity requirements.
“This course is designed with the busy student in mind,” Ulrich said. “We have a lot of students who work and student athletes who can’t take a whole semester to go abroad, so I wanted to create an opportunity for them to do that and get a gen ed in the process.”
During the course, students will look at how Japanese sports and cultural traditions shape ideas about identity, inclusion and social differences. They will also reflect on their own perspectives within a global context and build intercultural communication and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.
The program introduces students to Japanese culture through both the course and group excursions. There will also be chances to meet Japanese students and share cultural perspectives.
Several cultural activities will help connect classroom learning with firsthand experiences. Students will get to participate in a traditional kimono experience, calligraphy activity and tea ceremony, as well as experiences involving sumo, kendo and samurai traditions.
Students will also go to a professional baseball game and spend two nights near Mount Fuji, where they can explore the area and take in the scenery.
Students will stay in hotels in different cities during the trip, with Tokyo as the main base. The five nights in Osaka will give them a chance to experience another major Japanese city.
“It’s a fun way to get gen eds, and it’s also fairly affordable,” Ulrich said. “If you like to travel and want to study abroad but haven’t had the time, I think it’s a great opportunity.”
As LVC’s first Japan study abroad program, the trip will give students the opportunity to earn credits while experiencing Japanese culture through activities that extend beyond the classroom.
The application deadline for the summer 2027 program is Monday, Feb. 1, 2027.
Students interested in studying abroad in Japan can contact Dr. Ulrich at ulrich@lvc.edu or Jamie LaPine, associate director of global education, at lapine@lvc.edu.