Japan Programs
Learn more about the David R. Ravin School of Architecture’s annual study abroad programs in Japan.
Each year, the School of Architecture brings a group to Japan, led by Professor Chris Jarrett. Our travel and design-based program provides students the opportunity to infuse their education with valuable intercultural experience while earning academic credits toward their degree. In 2027, there are two opportunities to study abroad in Japan.
Tokyo Studio Program – Summer 2027
May 14-June 13, 2027 / 6.0 credits. This one-month summer intensive is open to all SoA architecture students. Eligibility is completion of Sophomore Design Studio (ARCH 2102). Structured around daily agendas, visiting world renown temples, museums, galleries, and bookshops, there are also surprises, detours and roundabouts, as well as an international collaborative workshop with students in the Department of Architecture at Meiji University.
Tokyo Studio Program – Fall 2027
August 20-December 10, 2027 / 15.0 credits. This semester-long fall program is open to 4th year (ARCH 4101) and M.Arch. students (ARCH 7101). The fall semester begins with a three-week course of study in Seoul, followed with a twelve-week immersive experience in Tokyo, including collaboration with the Department of Architecture at Meiji University. Unlike the summer intensive, students will have greater day-to-day flexibility to explore the city and Japan at large.
Tokyo
Set within the world’s largest urban economy, students will experience one of the most livable, high-density cities in the world. It will also open up a series of urban and architectural questions concerning the nature of public and private life in a city of 37 million. Traversing the city, students will be exposed to a wide range of contemporary urban conditions and Japanese architecture. Destinations are easy to reach using Tokyo’s well-known public transportation system. Students will visit the works of Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Toyo Ito, SANAA, Shigeru Ban, Junya Ishigami, Sou Fujimoto, Fumihiko Maki, Kenzo Tange, Kisho Kurokawa and Akihisa Hirata, among others. Coursework includes lectures, site visits, field research, analytical and design drawings, as well as a five-day trip on the shinkansen (bullet train) north and south of Tokyo, to Sendai, Hiroshima, Takamatsu and the Art Islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Along the way, Japan’s rich history, culture and traditions will be revealed.
Summer Program: Six Credits: ARCH 4050 (2), Undergraduate / ARCH 5050 (2) or ARCH 6103: Graduate
Fall Program: Twelve Credits: Undergraduate: ARCH 4101, ARCH 4050, ARCH 4060 / Graduate: ARCH 7101, ARCH 5050, ARCH 5060
Seoul
The capital city of South Korea, students will visit a range of historic and contemporary architecture, including Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces, Namdaemun Market, Leeum Museum, Coex Mall Library and EWHA Womans University, as well as a series of important urban revitalization projects including Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration, Sewoon District Regeneration, and Seoullo Skygarden. Destinations are easy to reach using Seoul’s public transportation system. A global stage for architectural innovation, students will see works by Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, Rem Koolhaas, Frank Ghery, Renzo Piano, David Chipperfield, and others. Included in the program is a 5-day excursion south on Korea’s high-speed KTX rail line to Gyeongju and Busan to visit Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO site), Heungkuk Tower by Mecanoo, Busan Cinema Center by Coop Himmelb(l)au, and others.
Fall Program: Three Credits: Undergraduate: ARCH 4050 / Graduate: ARCH 5050
Questions?
Contact Program Director Chris Jarrett.
