GENERAL
Who can apply?
This program is open to all Texas Tech students, regardless of major. There is no preference given to media or communication majors — everyone is welcome.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No - Japanese language background is required. You’ll pick up some useful phrases during the trip, but all classes and activities will be in English.
How many students usually go?
We anticipate around 10–15 students. It’s a great group size — large enough to make new friends, but small enough that everyone gets to know each other. Plus, you will have 3 professors.
Do faculty members travel with us?
Yes. Three Texas Tech faculty leaders will be with you the entire trip to provide support, teach the courses, and guide you through the experience. In addition, we will have a personal tour guide who will travel with us during the entire trip.
Which courses are offered?
COMS 3332: Intercultural Communication
CMI 3300: Creative Media Industries and Society
CMI 4301: Global Content Creation
Courses may count toward your major, minor, Honors credit, or as electives. Check with your advisor to see how they fit into your degree plan. Often times, COMS 3332 can fulfil as a social and behavioral credit on most degree plans. Please note that CMI 3300 may be substituted for COMS 4310: Media Technology and Society in Japan, if needed.
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Is the program academically difficult?
The courses are designed to be engaging and hands-on. Assignments connect directly to what you’re experiencing in Japan — site visits, cultural activities, and reflections — rather than traditional classroom tests. If you scroll up under the instructors' names on this page you can click on the links to see syllabi for each class.
Do I need prerequisites?
No prerequisites are required. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all welcome to apply. This program is for undergraduate students only.
How much does it cost?
Program costs start around $5,700 depending on final enrollment numbers.
This includes housing, in-country transportation, program excursions, some meals, and on-site support.
Then, depending on how many credit hours you plan to take, your tuition credit hours and fees will depend on your major.
Japan is one of the most cost effective places to travel. This is one of the lowest study abroad programs in the college. And we are getting several unique experiences (e.g., cooking class, sumo match, etc.) that many private tour companies do not offer to the public.
Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for booking flights to and from Japan, but we will provide guidance and suggested flight options.
Can financial aid or scholarships apply?
Yes! Most financial aid packages can be used toward study abroad, and Texas Tech offers study abroad scholarships. Every student pays a study abroad fee when they register for classes, these funds go towards study abroad scholarships. There are many scholarships available for study abroad. There are also college-specific awards you may be eligible for. In addition, some national scholarships support students who are pursuing international education. Check with the TTU Study Abroad Office and Financial Aid for details.
Please check out these links:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/studyabroad/financial/scholarships/easyguide.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/scholarships/
Where will we stay?
Students will stay in safe, comfortable hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto with double-occupancy rooms (two students per room). You are welcome to make room mate requests.
How will we get around?
We’ll travel by Japan’s world-famous trains, public transit, and private coaches for airport transfers. A rail pass is included for major city transfers
What about meals?
Daily breakfast and a few group dinners are included. Most lunches and dinners are on your own, giving you the freedom to try local food. We’ll help with suggestions and budgets.
What should I pack?
Plan to bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing for June weather, and your essentials (passport, travel documents, medications). A packing guide will be provided closer to departure.
Can we stay and travel independently in Japan after/before our study abroad course?
The program itself is two weeks abroad - June 1-16. Once the study abroad portion is complete, you will not be required to attend additional classes in Lubbock during the remainder of Summer I.
That time is yours, so you are welcome to travel on your own after/before the trip, if you wish.
What kind of cultural activities will we do?
Some highlights include a sumo experience, traditional tea ceremony, cooking class, DisneySea, baseball game, shrines and temples, Osaka Castle, and Nara Deer Park
Will we have free time?
Yes. While the schedule includes cultural visits, company tours, and group excursions, there will also be blocks of free time so you can explore on your own or with friends.
Will be have opportunites to meet fellow travelers before we travel to Japan?
Yes, there will definitely be opportunities to meet and communicate with other students in the program before we travel. We will schedule at least 3-4 orientation sessions prior to departure where everyone can meet, go over important details, and start building connections. In addition, we will set up a group communication channel (such as GroupMe or WhatsApp) so you can stay in touch with each other, ask questions, and share information as we prepare for the trip.
Is Japan safe?
Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world. You’ll also have 24/7 on-site support from our program coordinator, as well as faculty leaders with you at all times
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Japan offers many food options, and we’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know your restrictions ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
When do applications open?
The application portal will open on October 1. You can sign up for the ⭐interest form ⭐ now, and we’ll notify you as soon as applications are live. We are happy to schedule a short meeting with you to answer any questions or concerns. Feel free to email us if you have any questions
✉️ n.punyanunt@ttu.edu
✉️ tj.martinez@ttu.edu
✉️megan.condis@ttu.edu
How competitive is the program?
Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly, but selection is not based on GPA or major. Applying early is the best way to secure your spot. After you apply, we will schedule a short meeting to discuss the program with you individually and answer any questions that you might have regarding the program.
Japan Schedule 2026.pdf