Japan: Art and Religion

Program Highlights

• Explore the cultural, artistic, and religious traditions of Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Participate in a Japanese calligraphy workshop and learn the fundamentals of this traditional art.
• Explore the Kyoto International Manga Museum and examine manga as an artistic, historical, and cultural form.
• Visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples examine the role of religious beliefs and practices in Japanese society.
• Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
• Experience guided Zen meditation and visit renowned Zen rock gardens and examine their spiritual, artistic, and architectural significance.
• Explore the Tokyo National Museum and view important works of Japanese and Asian art.
• Visit the Ancient Orient Museum and learn about the histories and cultures of ancient Asian and Middle Eastern civilizations.
• Examine the relationship among art, language, movement, religion, and cultural identity and compare traditional Japanese artistic practices with contemporary visual culture.
• Experience Japanese food, public transportation, neighborhoods, architecture, and everyday life. 

Optional Excursions

Students may have opportunities to participate in additional activities that are not included in the estimated program cost. Proposed optional excursions include:

• A Ghibli-related museum or studio experience
• A sumo event
• A visit to the Pokémon Center in Ikebukuro

Optional activities are subject to availability, scheduling, admission requirements, and additional student costs. Final details will be shared before departure.

Travel Dates

• Summer: May 30-June 9, 2027
• Program Length: 11 days 

Program Locations

• Tokyo, Japan
• Kyoto, Japan 

Program Eligibility

• Central Piedmont curriculum students with a minimum 2.0 GPA
• Curriculum students from other North Carolina colleges or universities with a minimum 2.0 GPA 

Academics

Students must select one or more of the following courses (specific sections TBD):

• ART 111: Art Appreciation  
• REL 110: World Religions
• HUM 120: Cultural Studies 

Program Leaders

• Chris Brawley – Instructor, Humanities
• Ashley Lathe – Instructor, Arts

Money Matters

Billable Costs

Estimated billable program costs: $5600 per student. Billable costs are paid to the Center for Global Engagement at the college’s cashier’s office. Billable program costs include:

• Application fee
• Airfare and local transportation
• Lodging
• Some meals
• Academic and professional site visits
• Cultural excursions and program activities
• Provider and program-related costs
• Travel insurance
• Optional single room additional charge – $1100 

Non-billable Costs

Students are responsible to pay for the following expenses directly:

• Passport and visa fees, if applicable
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Optional activities outside the official itinerary
• Transportation or expenses not associated with scheduled program activities
• Tuition and course registration fees (ART 111, REL 110, or HUM120). Check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if your course registration can be covered with your financial aid. 

Scholarships

Scholarships toward billable program costs are available through the Center for Global Engagement and several external organizations. Please visit the “Scholarships” page for information about these scholarships. Note the following scholarship deadlines:

• Gilman International Scholarship (external) & Gilman Stem Supplemental Award (external) - application open:
  • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
  • Mid-January 2027 – February 25, 2027
• Gilman-McCain Scholarship (external) - application open:
  • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
  • Mid-November 2026 – January 7, 2027
• Central Piedmont Study Abroad Scholarships (internal) - application opens mid-August:
  • October 1, 2026: Priority Deadline
  • December 4, 2026: Final Deadline 

How to Apply

Apply to the study abroad program by clicking the Apply Now button below.  

• Choose which study abroad program you will apply for.
• Log in using your Central Piedmont username and password.
• Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety, including the video submission and essay questions. Studying abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.  
• Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment on the Campus Community website. This step is required, and your application will not be considered until this application fee is paid. 

Apply Now

Note:

• You must complete all steps for your application to be considered.
• Some programs will require a personal interview. You will be contacted to schedule an interview after completing the steps above. 

Questions?

Direct questions to the Center for Global Engagement:  

• Email
• Phone: 704-330-6167
• Office: Overcash 303 (Central Campus)