Asia Field Studies – Japan and Korea

Immerse yourself in Japan and Korea next summer! This program is a unique and enriching experience for students who would like to learn about traditional and contemporary Japanese and Korean culture, history, and society.

Led by two Langara instructors who teach about Japan and Korea in the Asian studies department, this immersion program offers numerous opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of Japan and Korea.  

This program features two weeks in Japan (Tokyo, Mito and Kyoto) and one week in South Korea (Asan and Seoul). Prior to departure, the program includes mandatory in-class lectures for two weeks at Langara College.

The daily program in Asia mainly consists of on-site lectures and discussions at historically and culturally significant sites, as well as participating in numerous social and cultural events and activities. One of the highlights of this immersive program is visiting and interacting with local students from affiliated universities in Japan and South Korea.

The program is open to everyone as long as they meet Langara College’s admission requirements. We also welcome students from other post-secondary institutions, as well as the general public, who are interested in learning about Japanese and Korean culture and history. 

Earn university-transferable credits while you travel

The Asia Field Studies (Japan-Korea) program includes 9 university-transferable (UT) credits*

•    ASIA1135: Introduction to East Asia (Japan) (3 UT credits)
•    ASIA1155: Introduction to East Asia (Korea) (3 UT credits)
•    ASIA 2115: Japanese Society & Culture (3 UT credits)

Total: 9 university-transfer credits

*If a student has already taken one or two of above courses, ASIA1140: Cross-Cultural Perspectives I (3 university-transfer credits) and ASIA1240: Cross-Cultural Perspectives II (3 university-transfer credits) can be taken instead.  

Itinerary

Field Studies dates:

Early May to early June 2026

Field Studies itinerary (subject to change):

May 4–14: Pre-Departure Lecture at Langara College (M-F: 10:00-16:00)

May 17: Departure

May 18: Arrive Tokyo (1 night)

May 19–24: Mito, Ibaragi (5 nights)

Visit local high school, kindergarten, cultural exchange with Tokiwa university students, excursion to Oarai beach and shrine, river boat cruising, workshops of various cultural activities (e.g., kimono wearing experience, tea ceremony), free time on the weekend.

May 24–28: Tokyo (4 nights)

Visit old downtown (e.g., Asakusa, Ueno), Edo-Tokyo Museum, Imperial Palace, major temples and shrines (e.g. Meiji Shrine), day trip to Kamakura, other various cultural activities.

May 28–June 2: Kyoto (5 nights)

Visit historically important temples and shrines (including a Ninja House and a Shogun’s Palace, Japanese garden), participate in Zen and Yu-zen dyeing workshops, see traditional performing arts at Gion, visit a theme park of samurai drama, experience traditional full course Japanese cuisine, free time on weekend.

June 2–5: Asan, South Korea (3 nights)

Cultural exchange with Soonchunhyang University students. Lectures and field trips in the area (e.g., Environmental science park, Cheonan Independence hall, Local Confucian school), Folk Village.

June 5–8: Seoul, South Korea (3 nights)

War Memorial Museum, National Folk Museum, Korean tradition experience, walking tour of Seoul, Free time on weekend

June 8: Departure (from Seoul). The end of the program.

For course/ program related questions:

Avram Agov
Instructor, Department of Asian Studies
Office: A208
Phone: 604-323-2387
aagov [at] langara.ca (aagov[at]langara[dot]ca)

Dr. Nariko Takayanagi 
Program Instructor
Department Chair and Faculty
Department of Asian Studies 
Office: A209
ntakayanagi [at] langara.ca (ntakayanagi[at]langara[dot]ca) 

For application and payment related questions:

Mercedes Bueno
Program Coordinator International Programs and Partnerships
Office: Langara Global (room A107)
Phone: 604-323-5696
globalengagement [at] langara.ca (globalengagement[at]langara[dot]ca)