Study Abroad in Osaka, Japan - Winter 2027

Note

Take a Mt SAC class in Japan!

The Go Japan Osaka Winter program offers participants the opportunity to take a 3-unit course taught by a Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) faculty member over a four-week period in Osaka, Japan. The program in Japan runs from January 16 to February 13, 2027 (January 4 to January 15, 2027, asynchronously online), allowing students to immerse themselves in the local culture while earning academic credit.

- About Osaka, Japan
  
  Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan's main island. It lies along the southern coast of Osaka Bay, to the west of Kyoto and Nara, and northeast of Kobe. The city is situated in the center of Japan's second-largest metropolitan area, known as the Keihanshin region, which includes Kyoto and Kobe.
  
  It is a vibrant city known for its rich history, modern architecture, and delicious cuisine. As Japan's third-largest city, it offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. Visitors can explore historical sites like Osaka Castle, enjoy the bustling nightlife in the Dotonbori area, and indulge in famous local dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
  
  Osaka is also known for its friendly atmosphere and is a gateway to other cultural landmarks in the Kansai region, including Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. With its efficient transportation system, Osaka is an excellent base for exploring both urban attractions and the scenic beauty of nearby areas.
- Program Dates
  
  Important Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own flights and must meet at Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX); students must land by 5 pm on January 16, 2027. Airfare is not included in the program fee. Mt SAC faculty members do not accompany students on their flights.
  
  Asynchronously online via Canvas course
  January 4 to January 15, 2027
  
  Arrival in Osaka (KIX) airport
  Saturday, Jan 16, 2027
  Students must land by 5 pm; Transportation from the airport to Osaka accommodations via coach bus is provided.
  
  Mt SAC Class & Cultural activities
  - Students take one 3-unit course taught by a Mt SAC faculty member from Monday through Friday. A typical class day is from 9:00 am to early afternoon.
  - Four organized cultural activities in Osaka on Friday or Saturday for all students, with local university student buddies.
  - One organized Friday trip to Kyoto: Yuzen dyeing workshop, Nijo Castle, and Gion Corner.
  
  Departure from Osaka (KIX) airport
  Saturday, Feb 13, 2027
  Airport transportation via coach bus is provided. However, students are responsible for arranging their return flights to the U.S., as Mt. SAC faculty members do not accompany them on the flights.
- Applicant Eligibility
  Applicants must have the following:
  - 18 years or older by departure date
  - Must maintain a 2.0 cumulative Mt. SAC GPA
  - Currently enrolled at Mt. SAC for Spring and Fall 2026; a minimum of 4 credit units
  - Completed a minimum of 6 credit units at Mt. SAC at the time of application
  - Completed or currently enrolled in ENGL C1000, or equivalent (for LING 3)
  - Completed or currently enrolled or will complete JAPN 2 by Fall 2026 (for JAPN 53)
  - Students need to receive a passing grade in the prerequisite course to be eligible
  - No disciplinary record with the College
  - No current holds on record with the College
- Application Steps and Program Deadlines
  Application steps
  1. Attend one of the information meetings (not required but highly recommended).
  2. Complete the application form (Application window is open from May 1 to May 26, 2026).
  3. At the time of application, students must pay a $500 deposit (+ the credit card processing fee) and submit an unofficial (student copy) transcript to be considered.
  4. Applicants must select either LING 3 or JAPN 53 when applying.
  5. 28 students will be selected based on their applications.
  6. The acceptance notice will be emailed by Friday, June 5, 2026. The deposit will be refunded to applicants who are not selected (please note that credit card processing fees are non-refundable)
  Online Application Form (will open on May 1, 2026)
  
  Program Deadlines & Fee Schedule
  1. At the time of the application, a $500 deposit due
    *The link to pay the deposit will be included on the application form.
  2. June 30, 2026: Payment #2 - $625
  3. July 31, 2026: Payment #3 - $626
  4. August 31, 2026: Payment #4 - $625
  5. September 30, 2026: Payment #5 - $625
  6. October 15, 2026: Payment #6 - $625
  September 25, 2026: Mandatory meet & greet luncheon
  October 20, 2026: Online registration form due
  *The link to the online registration will be sent to accepted students.
  November 15, 2026: The last day to withdraw from the program
  *Cancellation fee incurs, including the vendor non-recoverable costs & credit card processing fees.
  December 17, 2026: Mandatory pre-departure meeting
- Faculty and Courses
  
  Faculty
  Professor Keiko Tsurumi (JAPN 53)
  Originally from Saitama, Japan, she has been teaching at Mt. SAC since 2017. Outside the classroom, she enjoys karaoke, practicing yoga, and embracing her love of cats. She spends many weekends exploring exciting restaurants across Los Angeles and attending music concerts. The shows she attended in past years include Yoasobi, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey.
  
  Professor Don Lee (LING 3)
  Professor Don Lee, born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in the South Bay, is a long-time resident of Los Angeles. He enjoys cooking, savoring good coffee, and exploring new destinations. His travels have taken him around the world, including to unique places like Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Uzbekistan.
  
  Courses
  Participating students will take one 3-unit course.
  LING 3: For students with no prior experience in Japanese (Prerequisite: ENG C1000 or equivalent.)
  JAPN 53: For students who have taken JAPN2 or equivalent.
  
  LING 3  Languages, Cultures, and Writing in East Asia
  
  3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
  Lecture: 54
  
  Comparison of East Asian languages and scripts from a cross-cultural and historical perspective. It explores the impact of politics, belief systems, social movements, globalization, and technology on the written languages of East Asia. Class conducted in English.
  
  JAPN 53  Conversational Japanese
  
  3 Units (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
  (May be taken for the option of letter grade or Pass/No Pass)
  Lecture: 54
  Prerequisite: JAPN 2 or equivalent
  
  Development of intermediate Japanese conversational skills. Emphasis on collaborative activities and practical use of the language. Extensive exposure to Japanese culture. Grammar is presented in context.
- Fees
  Program fee (per person)
  $3,625
  
  This fee excludes airfare, passport or visa fees, meals other than those included in the program, personal expenses, Mt. SAC tuition, textbook fees, or administrative fees.
  - Visas are not required for US citizens for programs shorter than 90 days
  - Students who are not US citizens are responsible for securing their visa and understanding the application process.
- Included in the Program
  Transportation
  - Organized group airport pick up from Osaka International Airport (KIX) on arrival day via coach bus, taking the group directly to housing; students must land by 5 pm.
  - Organized group airport drop off at Osaka International Airport (KIX) on departure day via coach bus.
  - Public transportation pass in Osaka for each participant, pre-loaded with transit fare for organized activities and classroom commutes.
  Housing & Meals
  - Shared student apartments in Osaka (28 nights)
  - One to two Mt. SAC students per apartment unit, about a 30-40 minute commute to the classroom space.
  - Units include at least one shared full bathroom, a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies, and a small common/study space.
  - Wi-Fi is provided in accommodations.
  - Group meals: Welcome dinner, Farewell dinner, Group meals or lunch stipends during excursions in Kyoto, and Group lunch meet & greet with local buddies
  Activities & Excursions
  - Four organized cultural activities in Osaka for all students, with local university student buddies
  - A day trip to Kyoto (planned on Feb 5, 2027); sample activities include Yuzen dyeing workshop, Nijo Castle, and Gion Corner
  - All entrance and transportation fees for program-sponsored activities
  Health, Safety & Insurance
  - Extensive orientation to health & safety guidelines and procedures upon arrival by the partner agency
  - 24-hour local emergency support
  - Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions insurance coverage for each participant
- Refund Policy
  
  All cancellations by a student after acceptance into the Program must be made in writing. Contact us at gojapan@mtsac.edu.
  
  November 15, 2026: The last day to withdraw from the program
  *Cancellation fee incurs, including the vendor non-recoverable costs & credit card processing fees.
- Information Meetings
  
  In-person meeting [Language Learning Center Bldg. 77 - 1005]
  
  Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 9:45 - 10:45 am
  Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
  Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm
  
  Zoom meeting [Zoom Meeting ID: 897 393 8890]
  https://mtsac-edu.zoom.us/my/gojapan
  
  Friday, March 27, 2026, from 10:00 - 11: 00 am
  Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 8:30 - 9:30 am
  Friday, May 22, 2026, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- Past Program
  
  Connect with the Go Japan Community!
  Our past participants have navigated the same classrooms, explored the same hidden alleys in Osaka, and mastered the local transit system. Learning from their experiences can help you:
  
  Get the "Real" Scoop:
  In Episode 219 of the Mt. San Antonio College Podcast, titled "Experiential Learning Beyond Borders - Mt. SAC’s Osaka Study Abroad Program," listeners are invited on a deep dive into the transformative power of international education.
  
  Episode Highlights:
  Originally released on November 11, 2025, this episode features a conversation between host Chisa Uyeki, Professor Keiko Tsurumi, and the Go Japan Osaka 2025 Winter Program participants, Gio and Diego. It explores how studying abroad serves as a catalyst for personal growth and academic resilience.
- Contact
  
  The Go Japan Osaka Winter Program Team
  
  Andi Fejeran - Associate Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences Division
  Keiko Tsurumi - Program Lead, Professor of Japanese
  Don Lee - Faculty, Professor of Japanese and Korean
  Sangvan Thaysangkram - Administrative Specialist
  
  gojapan@mtsac.edu
  Building 66-225
  (909)274-4570

Important Note

The application window is open from May 1 to May 26, 2026. A $500 deposit and a transcript (student copy) are required at the time of program application.

Contacts

- Contact Us
  gojapan@mtsac.edu
  (909) 274 - 4570
  - Andi Fejeran,
    Associate Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences Division
  - Keiko Tsurumi,
    Program Lead, Professor of Japanese
  - Don Lee,
    Faculty, Professor of Japanese and Korean
  - Sangvan Thaysangkram,
    Administrative Specialist
- Hours | Building 66-235
  
  Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Building: 66 - Office 225
  
  World Languages
  Bldg. 66-235

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Study Abroad in Osaka, Japan - Winter 2027

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