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Summer Abroad Japan

Life Sciences in Japan

Kusatsu (near Kyoto), Japan

  • Dates – June 21–July 18, 2025
  • Max Enrollment – 30
  • Taught In – English
  • Prerequisites – Yes
  • Academic Area – Biological Sciences

Program Overview

Study biochemistry while living in Japan! We will stay at Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, with easy access to Kyoto (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Osaka, Kobe and Nara. We will visit some of Kyoto’s famous sites (Fushimi Inari, Ryoanji and Arashiyama), as well as either aquariums, natural history museums, botanical gardens or fermentation facilities to observe how Japan presents natural science related topics to the public. With ample free time to explore, personal excursions may include many visits to Kyoto, and traveling to cities such as Tokyo or Hiroshima that are a fun bullet train ride away. Delve into manga, dine in foodie heaven, relax in an Onsen town, shop traditional goods and latest trends, even climb Mount Fuji: the options are almost unlimited!

Program Contacts

Program Highlights

  • Take in the natural beauty and meet the kind people of Japan.
  • Experience the wonders of Kyoto: historic sites and modern life.
  • Personal travel possibilities to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, Mt Fuji, Tokyo, or elsewhere.
  • Enjoy the food: ramen, yakitori, okonomiyaki, sushi, & many other delights.

What Students Are Saying

  • “Everything was just amazing! Dr. Morand, his Onsite Coordinator (Amy) and all the people I met are all helpful and superb at what they do.”
  • “Dr. Morand is an excellent instructor. He made it clear what we needed to know and actually cared about us. I can tell he wanted us to succeed not only in his class, but in the future.”
  • “The instructor was effective during problem solving and office hours where we could ask him questions on the material. He is very approachable, kind, helpful and understanding.”

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