Study abroad in japan and Taiwan

Summer: May 15–June 4, 2025

Interested in studying abroad in Japan and Taiwan?

Information Sessions:

  • Thursday, August 22, noon – 1 pm in D105
  • Wednesday, August 28, 2–3 pm in D105

Contact Travis Sola, tsola@parkland.edu, for more information. 

Experience the ultramodern metropolis of Tokyo, the ancient charm of Kyoto, the unsettling reminder of the nuclear age in Hiroshima, and Osaka, the “kitchen of Japan.”    

Explore Taiwan, located in between the South China Sea and the East China Sea. A beautiful island with a rich heritage influenced by both Chinese and Japanese cultures, Taiwan is a perfect blend of tradition, technology, and timeless beauty. 
 

Tokyo bridge

What You'll Study

The required class is Humanities Field Experience (HUM 124) on Japanese and Taiwan culture. HUM 124 is a 3-credit hour elective that counts toward earning the Global Studies Emphasis Designation. We will study various aspects of Japanese and Taiwanese culture and experience the culture first hand during the trip. The course will introduce a few basic expressions in Japanese, but no previous knowledge of Japanese is required.


Activities

In Japan, we will stay in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.  Possible itinerary items are:

  1. Experience Tokyo's largest matsuri festivals.  
  2. Visit famous locations in Tokyo such as Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, etc.
  3. Take a day trip to Kamakura to see the largest outdoor bronze statue of Buddha in Japan.
  4. Stay a night in a ryokan with Japanese-style rooms (tatami mats and futons). Experience traditional Japanese-style meals and onsen (hot springs).
  5. Ride the shinkansen (bullet train).
  6. Visit ancient temples and shrines in Kyoto.
  7. Take a day trip to the deer park in Nara.
  8. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum.
  9. Take a ferry to beautiful Miyajima and hike in the national park.
  10. Visit an ancient Japanese castle. 

In Taiwan, we will stay in the capital city, Taipei.  Possible itinerary items are:

  1. Visit the Taipei 101 skyscraper to see the city from above.
  2. Visit Famous Night Markets to taste the large selection of street food.
  3. Visit the National Palace Museum to learn about Taiwan's history and culture.
  4. Hike the trails at Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) and climb to its peak.
  5. See the Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and the Liberty Square Arch
  6. Visit Yehliu Geopark

 The Mushroom Rocks


Financial aid does apply to this program. 

Please check with Parkland's Financial Aid office for more information.

$500 Honors Stipend Available to Honors Program Students who complete an Honors Project. For information on how to join the Honors program contact Marsh Jones at mjones@parkland.edu.

Program Includes:

  • Lodging with double or more occupancy
  • 7-day JR Pass for riding the bullet train (Shinkansen)
  • Experienced faculty tour leaders  

Not included: round-trip airfare, 3-credit hours of tuition, activity fees, meals, passport fee, travel insurance

Please contact tsola@pakland.edu or 217/353-2159 for estimated program cost.


Eligibility:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Completed at least 12 hours of college-level coursework
  • Completed English Composition or its equivalent with a B or better
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better
  •  Must have valid passport that does not expire in less than six months of June 2025. If will need to renew please start renewal process as soon as possible.  Delays and errors may cause passport renewal process to take longer.   


For More Information:

Contact Jody Littleton at 217/351-2532 or email  jlittleton@parkland.edu.