Japan Trip

TRIP BACKGROUND

During this upcoming Spring Break, 30 students and 5 faculty members will embark on a 9-day exploration to Japan. The itinerary focuses on opportunities to experience the historical, political, cultural, and spiritual foundations particularly within Kyoto and Tokyo. 

Many of the destinations students will visit are UNESCO World Heritage sites, including renowned Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and Shogun estates. In addition, we will immerse ourselves within the modern food, entertainment, and technology that personify Japanese culture.

Students travel not as tourists, but with the mindset of cultural ambassadors. As global citizens, they embark on the opportunity to connect with peers abroad and learn from a society remarkably different from our own. 

Whether through participating in a traditional tea ceremony, exploring local markets, or visiting Mount Fuji, there is a continued focus on inspiring curiosity through experiential learning by embracing the intellectual risks and metaphysical challenges required with such an endeavor. 

Tokyo Friends and Temple Japan have expressed interest in helping as we prepare for the trip. That not only includes providing materials and resources, but also connecting our students with both peers and with their own international clubs or committees. In addition, our students at Penn Charter will send messages and videos throughout the year to build community before visiting both schools.   

PREPARATION TOPICS

Through the school year, we will conduct monthly meetings in order to best prepare students traveling to Japan. The intent is to further develop cultural competency, as well as build direct connections with students at Tokyo Friends and Temple Japan prior to meeting them in-person. 

While we will utilize much of the resources featured throughout this website, particularly those within the Digital Resources section, students will also have access to a trip-specific Hub group. However, we also want to share as much as possible regarding their activities, experiences, and reflections leading up to our departure. 

In order to do so, we will post details and photos from each of the Preparation Meetings below:

Introduction (September): review connections abroad and create slides to share student fun facts with Tokyo Friends

History and Religion (October): overview of Japanese historical and spiritual foundations with focus on places we will visit

Art and Architecture (November): overview of Japanese aesthetic and artistic traditions with focus on places or artifacts we will see

Popular Culture (December): overview of modern popular culture including prominent film, music, sports, and entertainment

Student-Choice Topics (January): students learn about a topic of their choosing and prepare to potentially led a pop lunch

Japanese Language (February): direct session on Japanese to supplement individual student progress within our Duolingo class

Diet and Social Norms (March): overview of dietary options, social norms, and cultural competency tips for visiting Japan

Clearness Committees (March): students meet in our smaller travel groups to reflect upon and share any concerns they may have