New for Spring 2026

Created for Sewanee students by distinguished Sewanee faculty in collaboration with Kansai Gaidai, Sewanee-in Japan offers students the opportunity to earn Sewanee credits in the cultural heart of Japan. 

Quick Facts

Where: Osaka, Japan

When:  Jan 2026 - May 2026 (exact dates forthcoming)

What: In a partnership with Kansai Gaidai’s Asian Studies Institute, Sewanee students take courses from a broad range of disciplines including Asian Studies, International and Global Studies, Business, Art, and Japanese language. A Sewanee faculty member will accompany students on the program and teach a course in their discipline. 

2026 Faculty Leader: Dr. Teri Terigele, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Cost: Students pay Sewanee comprehensive tuition and fees and will continue to receive Sewanee aid and scholarships during the Sewanee in Japan program.

Eligibility: Open to Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. NO Japanese language ability is required.

How to apply:

How to apply: Set up an account and apply through Via.

Program Details

academics

Students will earn 15 credit hours on the Sewanee-in-Japan program.

  • Japanese (Required, 5 credit hours): Kansai Gaisdai offers Japanese language course for all students from Japanese 1 for beginners with no formal Japanese language training through Japanese 8 for advanced language learners.
  • PSYC 229: Cross-cultural Psychology (Required) 
  • Two (2) Additional Courses: Two additional courses chosen from this list. All Kansai Gaidai content courses are three credits each. 
Housing

Students live in the Global Commons Residence Hall on campus. Approximately 50% of its residents are local students who are eager to share their experiences with international students. Various cultural activities are held to promote international friendship. All rooms are self-catered.

Excursions

Several courses in the Asian Studies Program include field trips so that students can explore dimensions of Japanese society and culture that cannot be learned from books. Destinations of field trips include:

  • Kyoto National Museum

  • Takarazuka Theater

  • Byodoin Temple

  • Daitokuji Temple

  • Horyuji Temple

  • Toji Temple

Student Support

Comprehensive student support is offered through Asian Studies support staff and the program’s faculty leader

  • Pre-departure orientation in the U.S.

  • Airport pickup

  • On-site orientation upon arrival in Japan

  • Health insurance

  • Cultural events

  • Farewell dinner

  • 24/7 Emergency support

  • Crisis-management preparedness

Tentative dates
  • January 26-27: Move in
  • January 28-30: Orientation
  • February 2: Classes begin
  • March 23-28: Spring Break
  • May 22: Last Day of Class
  • May 25-29: Exams
  • May 30: Completion Ceremony
  • June 4: Last Day to Move Out