Dates
May 16 - June 15, 2027Subjects
Japanese Language & Culture, Psychology, Japanese Craftmaking, Art & Architecture, Asian StudiesDeadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Japan program offers students an opportunity to discover the multidimensional images of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Takamatsu, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In addition to regular classes, students will attend ancient accessory making workshops, tea ceremony, and visit educational institutions and historical sites.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
Program Director
I have been teaching the Japanese language and culture in America since 2007. As a volunteer, I also had a unique opportunity to teach Japanese in a maximum-security prison in Auckland, New Zealand; an experience no one else seems to have. Now, as the Director of KIIS Japan, I look forward to sharing Japan’s long cultural traditions with you.Prof. Makoto Nakamura
Photo Gallery
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Courses
Courses are taught in English except JAPN 210. All courses are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses.
A course designed to develop the vocabulary and oral communication skills of the student with a background of one year of college Japanese or equivalent. Emphasis will be placed on bringing the student into contact with the Japanese people and various aspects of their culture.
This studio course is open to all students and introduces traditional Japanese crafts, including Sashiko stitching, origami, kirie paper cutting, chigiri‑e torn‑paper collage, and mizuhiki cord art. Through hands-on workshops and cultural site visits, students will gain an understanding of the techniques, history, and aesthetics of these Japanese craft traditions.
This course explores Japanese art and architecture through on-site learning and travel. It is designed for all majors. Students engage with artworks at temples, shrines, and historic sites, while reflective assignments will enhance their understanding of how geography, religion, and culture shape Japan's visual traditions and contemporary designs.
This course examines how culture shapes human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Topics include, but are not limited to, emotion, personality, multilingualism, social behavior, and mental health, as well as similarities and differences in these psychological processes across diverse cultural contexts. Students will apply course concepts to the unique cultural learning experiences provided by the program.
Rather than focusing on deficits such as psychological disorders, this course examines research on human strengths, thriving, and the factors that promote well-being. Through cultural experiences provided by the program, students also learn practical strategies to enhance happiness and well-being.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
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Gifu City
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Nagoya City
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Takamatsu City
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Ritsurin Park
Group Flight
ESTIMATED COST $2,500 - $2,600
The Japan program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Japan with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket on your behalf. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville. Visit flights for more information.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own round trip airfare.
The flight to Japan is overnight arriving the following day. On the return, the flight from Japan to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
Share your story-
"The summer I spent in Japan will be an experience that I'll carry with me forever!" -Austin Tonko
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"I finally walked the streets of Japan and ate delicious food from my favorite anime. Thanks, KIIS!" -Binayak Shreshtha
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"KIIS was such an amazing program to study abroad with. Their dedication to learning safety and fun made for a perfect all around good time I’ll never forget." -Rhylee Sprague