2026 Summer Programs in Asia
Japan
Tokyo Retail: Surfaces of Consumption
In this summer study abroad program, we will explore and innovate the future of retail
storefronts in Tokyo, Japan – the global epicenter of consumption. From vending
machines to luxury brands, students will navigate Tokyo’s dynamic retail landscape and
reimagine the window shopping experience. Using the storefront poche as a design
canvas, students will focus on creating interactive, circular, and sustainable brand
experiences for vintage, second-hand, and recycled goods. (3 credits, undergraduate and graduate, ARC 500)
Korea
Explore the dynamic relationship between people, place, and environment in South Korea—past and present. This immersive course invites students from all majors to engage in hands-on projects with local university partners, combining creative writing, observational sketching, and on-site exploration. Together, we’ll examine how global trends shape local landscapes, discover the stories behind traditional crafts, and uncover how ecology influences the built and natural environments. (3 credits, DES 300/500)
International Technology and Trade Law
The primary focus of the course will be on international trade and intellectual property law, contextualized in the Asian legal market of Seoul, South Korea, with additional discussion of commercial arbitration and select topics in international business transactions. (2 credits, LAW 994)
Singapore
Most students are placed in multinational companies who have made Singapore their regional headquarters for operations in Southeast Asia. Students must be prepared to stay on for their internship placement for 11-12 weeks. Placements are available in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: supply chain, process improvement, corporate finance, accounting, marketing, customer service, general management, legal, public affairs, and communications/entertainment. (3 or 6 credits; BUA 470/670 for Business Internships, IPA470/670 for others)
Multi-City
Sport and its Global Impact: Korea, China, and Japan
This course is a three-week Maymester study abroad program that immerses students in the dynamic sport industries of East Asia. Traveling to Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo, participants will explore how local professional leagues, international events (e.g., Olympics), and U.S. sport entities (e.g., MLB, NBA) are shaping and responding to globalization in the region. (3 credits, SPM 300)