Heartland Community College is excited to offer two different summer programs to Japan, each to a different region and with a different focus. Choose the one that is right for you! 

Asahikawa: Agriculture & Renewable Energy

• August 1-11, 2026

This 10-day program is intended to highlight agriculture and renewable energy programs (including industrial technology, energy systems, and automotive programs) in order for participants to gain global learning experiences through the integration of local, working industry professionals. 

Hokkaido's second-largest city, Asahikawa, lies to the northwest of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and is a major gateway for exploring Sounkyo Gorge and the Furano area. The city itself has well over 100 rivers flowing through it, a flourishing culture of arts and crafts, and a major zoo.

Academics

Students will enroll in one of the following courses, depending upon the expertise of the faculty member leading the program:

• BUSN 296: Topics in Business (3 credits)
• INTR 102: Introduction to East Asian Culture and Society (3 credits)
• INDP 297: Independent Study (3 credits)
• SVL 101: Introduction to Service-Learning (3 credits)

Accommodations

Students are scheduled to stay at hotels in Asahikawa and Tokyo, at double occupancy. Single room upgrades maybe available upon request and for extra fee. 

Fees

• Lodging, with double occupancy
• In-country transportation 
• Specified program activities

Fees do not include: round-trip airfare (~$1,800), meals, passport fee, optional activities

Application Deadline

• Applications are due May 15, 2026.

Morioka University: Japanese Culture

• May 24 - June 8, 2026

Morioka lies in the shadow of Mt. Iwate, on the Kitakami and Nakatsu rivers. A historic center of wealth and power in the area, the city has a rich cultural heritage of craft and music.

Students will spend time at the University taking language classes (no pre-requisite or previous Japanese language required) and taking part in cultural events in town. There will also be a weekend in Tokyo and daytrip to Kamakura. 

Academics

Students will enroll at Heartland Community College in:

• INTL 112: Culture and Civilization of Japan (3 credit hours)

Accommodations

Students will be staying in dorms at Moioka University and hotels in Tokyo. 

Fees include

• Lodging with double occupancy
• In-country transportation 
• Specified program activities

Fees do not include: round-trip airfare (~$1,800), meals, passport fee, optional activities

Application Deadline

• Applications are due December 12, 2025.

Eligibility:

• 18 years or older
• 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of at least 12 hours of college-level coursework by the time of departure
• Completion of one college writing course (commonly known as English Composition I and/or II, or its equivalent) with grade of B or better, by the time of departure

How to Apply:

To apply, please contact Zach Petrea, the Study Abroad Coordinator, at 309-268-8613 or zach.petrea@heartland.edu