OVERVIEW

This immersive summer course offers students a unique opportunity to explore contemporary Japan through the lens of its historically marginalized ethnic communities and firsthand engagement with local communities and cultures. By combining academic inquiry with direct experience, students will deepen their understanding of Japan’s complex social fabric while developing intercultural competence. 

Program Highlights:

• Pre-departure Module (Asynchronous): Students will build foundational knowledge through films and guided research focusing on the histories and experiences of Japan’s marginalized groups. Instructors will be available to meet with students to answer any questions during office hours or via email. Email will be returned within 24 hours.
• Field Study in Japan (Two Weeks): Students will travel to Japan to visit culturally and historically significant sites, participate in lectures, and engage in dialogue with local university students. Topics include history, tabunka kyōsei (multicultural coexistence), and human rights.
  • Visits to Yokohama (e.g. China Town, Japanese Overseas Migration Museum), Osaka (e.g. Korea Town), and Hokkaido (Ainu village, Biratori)
  • Others: Shin-okubo & Takadanobaba (Tokyo), Utoro area (Kyoto)
• Students will have opportunities to observe the cities freely to experience the culture and society.
• Post-trip Reflection (Asynchronous): Students will synthesize their learning through presentations and reflective assignments, connecting their experiences abroad to broader global issues and their future learning/career.
• This course will be designated as an RPP course

FACULTY MEMBERS

Naemi McPherson (East Asian Studies)

COURSEWORK

• Course Title: EAST 0413 Explore Japan: Multicultural/Ethnic Communities
• Credit: Participants will earn one unit of credit, equivalent to four semester hours.
• Prerequisites: None. Students with an interest in Japanese or East Asian culture and history may find the course especially engaging.
• Language of instruction: All classes are delivered in English and there is no requirement to have taken coursework in or to have proficiency in Japanese. However, the in-country portion of this course will offer students of Japanese the opportunity to apply their language skills through interactions with the local community. 

TENTATIVE PROGRAM DATES*

• Full Course Dates: Monday, June 15 - Friday, July 24, 2026
• In-country travel dates: Sunday, June 21 - Saturday, July 4, 2026

 *Please note that program dates and itinerary are tentative and will be finalized in Spring 2026.

ITINERARY

HOUSING

Students will be housed in multiple occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms in each room. Housing arrangements are subject to change as the program is finalized.

Please note that all participants are required to stay in program-arranged housing. Independently arranged housing will not be permitted.

Some meals will be provided as part of program activities. Otherwise, students should budget accordingly to provide for the remaining cost of their meals.

Students with specific accommodation requests and needs (granted and registered with Student Accessibility Services) should consult with us as early as possible.

PROGRAM COST

Brown Global Summer Program participants are billed for Brown Summer Session Tuition and a Global Housing, Meal & Activity Fee that covers housing, program activities, and some meals while in-country.  The tuition and fees for Summer Session 2026 will be published on the Student Financial Services website between January and early February 2026. The estimated Global Housing, Meal & Activity Fee for this program is $3,500.

SUMMER GRANTS

Brown undergraduates who receive financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for a Summer Grant towards their Summer Session charges. Eligible students will be contacted by the Office of Financial aid in late February/early March with information about their eligibility.

TIMELINES 

Please make note of the following deadlines for Summer 2026 programs.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Sunday, February 1: Preferred Application Deadline
• Sunday, March 1: Final Application Deadline
• Friday, March 6:  Admissions Decision
• Sunday, March 15:  Commitment Deadline

VISITING STUDENTS 

Visiting students from other (i.e., non-Brown) colleges and universities are welcome and encouraged to submit a visiting student application to any Brown Global Summer Program.  

As part of the application process, visiting students must also submit an official academic transcript to demonstrate that they meet the following two eligibility criteria:

• Active enrollment as a degree-seeking, undergraduate student at the time of program delivery (i.e., graduating seniors are not eligible)
• Good academic standing

Instructions for submitting an official transcript as a visiting student are provided in the online application for each program.

CONTACTS

Chris Van Booven, Assistant Director of Global Programs