Students will experience many of Japan's most significant cultural and historical
sites, including:
- Participate in a traditional tea ceremony while dressed in a kimono
- Explore the Tokyo National Museum and its world-renowned collections
- Experience Tokyo's blend of historic traditions and modern culture
- Ride Japan's famous Shinkansen Bullet Train between destinations
- Explore Hakone's lakes, mountains, and volcanic landscapes
- Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan
- Walk beneath the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Discover Kyoto's temples, historic districts, and cultural traditions
- Visit Todai-ji Temple and the famous deer of Nara Park
- Tour Himeji Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved historic landmarks
- Experience the beauty of Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion
This immersive 11-day experience blends cultural exploration, historical discovery,
and hands-on learning while helping students develop a deeper understanding of Japan
and its place in today's interconnected world.
- Trip Dates: March 3–14, 2027
- Length: 11 Days
- Destinations: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji
- Minimum Enrollment: 10 Students
- Program Cost: $5,535–$6,270 per person (double occupancy; airfare included), depending on final
group size
- Travel Protection: International health insurance, liability coverage, and 24/7 emergency support included
* Program dates, itinerary details, accommodations, transportation arrangements, and
pricing are subject to change.
Included:
- International airfare
- Nine nights of accommodations
- Double-occupancy accommodations with private ensuite bathrooms
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome dinner
- Farewell dinner
- All ground transportation
- Historical and cultural walking tours
- Full-time on-site program director
- 24/7 on-ground emergency support
- Study Abroad Association health insurance
- Study Abroad Association liability insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Not Included:
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable)
- Single-room upgrade costs
- Optional activities and excursions
- Optional traveler protection insurance (including CFAR/IFAR coverage)
- Personal expenses
Program Cost
With Group Airfare
- 10–14 Participants: $6,270 per person (double occupancy)
- 15–19 Participants: $5,695 per person (double occupancy)
- 20–25 Participants: $5,535 per person (double occupancy)
Payment Deadlines
- October 4, 2026
$500 deposit due per person
- November 23, 2026
Drop/add deadline and special housing requests due
- December 3, 2026
50% of remaining balance due
- January 2, 2027
Final payment due
- January 2, 2027
Passport information due
Scholarship Information
- Gilman ScholarshipAll Pell recipients can apply for a Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship for study abroad. The scholarship application opens in January and the deadline is
October 1, 2026.
- Sandhills Scholarships
Study abroad participants who have completed at least 12 credit hours at Sandhills
Community College and are currently enrolled at Sandhills may apply for partial scholarships. The
priority deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 15, 2026.
Program pricing is based on enrollment and selected travel arrangements and is subject
to change until enrollment is finalized.
* Passports required and must be valid six months beyond return date.
- A valid passport is required and must not expire before September 2027.
- Participants must complete all required program documentation and payments by published
deadlines.
- Participants are required to attend all pre-departure meetings and orientations.
- Travelers are responsible for complying with all applicable entry, health, and travel
requirements in effect at the time of departure.
Travel Protection & Insurance
All participants are covered by the Study Abroad Association's mandatory international
health insurance program, which is included in the cost of the trip. The program also
includes liability coverage and access to 24/7 on-ground emergency support throughout
the experience.
Students are strongly encouraged to consider optional travel protection coverage,
including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, to protect against unforeseen
circumstances prior to departure. Optional travel protection, including Cancel For
Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) coverage, is not included
in the program cost.
* Program dates, itinerary, accommodations, travel requirements, and pricing are subject
to change.
