Professors and 19 students from the Encountering Japan class will spend 11 days immersed in Japanese culture, exploring cities from Osaka to Tokyo through a study abroad experience
By: Mikaila Bluew
Delta College’s Encountering Japan class leaves to study abroad in Japan on May 15 to spend 11 days immersed in Japanese culture. Professor of Psychology and Japan Trip leader Jeff Dykhuizen and Professor Jacob Vanhouten along with 19 students will take part in the trip sanctioned by the EF Study Abroad program.
The program itinerary engrosses students in the urban environments and cultures of Japan. Following the flight their adventure begins in Osaka, traveling then to Hiroshima to see Himeji Castle, take an in-depth tour and view the “Sacred Island” and shrines.
Kyoto follows Hiroshima on the itinerary, giving students the opportunity to travel via bullet train—another Japanese staple. The adventure in Kyoto includes a tour of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before leaving for the Hakone-Atami area the following day.
After a day exploring Hakone, seeing the national park and the Open-Air Museum, students will make a short stop in Kamakura to view the Hachimangu shrine and the Great Buddha of Kamakura—a statue standing over 37 feet tall—before heading to Tokyo.
The final two days will be spent in Tokyo including immersive tours, visiting shrines, time in shopping districts and free time to explore before heading home. Students worked all semester to gain an understanding of cultural differences as part of the study abroad program.
Students’ final projects for the Encountering Japan class gave the opportunity to research and present cultural differences between Japanese and Western traditions. Presentations ranged from roads, tattoos, writing styles, motorcycle gangs and toilets among other topics.
Students have also focused on language and writing skills to bridge the gap of understanding during their travels.
For students interested in studying abroad in Japan, this program will happen in 2026. Dates have not yet been determined.
