UF in Japan: Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication
Offered Summer B
Gain invaluable academic and cultural experience in one of the world’s leading economies! UF in Japan: Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication is a transformative 6-week program that offers students an immersive journey into the history, culture and language of Japan. This unique program combines academic learning with real-world application, providing the rare opportunity to collaborate with a local or national organization on a project-based assignment designed to tackle business challenges while deepening your understanding of Japanese business practices.
The program begins with two weeks of virtual coursework in the U.S., followed by four exciting and transformative weeks in Tokyo. While in Japan, you’ll be fully immersed in the Japanese culture, gaining insights into the historical and traditional elements of Japanese society. You will also participate in business site visits to learn about Japanese companies, their products, and the ways they navigate both opportunities and challenges in the global economy.
Japanese language is not required. Courses, company visits and the consulting project will be conducted in English.
Please note: students are not formally accepted into the program until they submit their application, deposit and a copy of their passport. You can start your online application today!
The city: Tokyo, Japan
Japan is a country of fascinating contrasts, blending ancient cultural traditions with cutting-edge economic and technological advancements. Since the 1950s, Japan has emerged as a global leader in both sectors, while maintaining a deep respect for its historical roots. Emphasis between tradition and modernity is evident in every aspect of life, from the historic temples and gardens to the industrialized cities along Honshu’s Pacific coast. Even rural areas, characterized by well-maintained rice fields and orchards, reveal the influence of rapid Westernization.
Geographically, Japan is defined by its dramatic landscape of mountains and volcanic activity, shaped by the movement of tectonic plates. It experiences frequent earthquakes and hosts numerous active volcanoes, including the iconic Mount Fuji. The country’s rivers, though short and fast-flowing, support agriculture and industry, while its diverse lakes—many formed by tectonic or volcanic activity—add to its natural beauty. Japan’s unique blend of natural landscapes and cultural landmarks underscores its dynamic and resilient character.
Heavener’s Japan Partner
Our country partner in Japan is Learn International (LI). Founded in 2013, LI is an Ireland-based organization that provides direct study abroad opportunities to students as well as operational support to many U.S. institutions that run study abroad programs. LI will provide in-country support to UF students, faculty, and staff while coordinating onsite programming to meet the academic and cultural goals of. this program in Japan.
Application Deadline
- Summer 2025: February 14, 2025
This program operates on a rolling admission basis. When capacity is reached, it may close before the listed deadline. Students are encouraged to apply and submit all materials before the deadline to secure a spot.
You must follow the steps below and submit all documents before the deadline for your application to be considered complete:
- Step 1: Open an application: UF in Japan.
- Step 2: Meet with an International Program Student Advisor (IPSA) or attend an info session to gain more insight about the program from a student’s perspective.
- Step 3: Meet with an International Programs Academic Advisor to complete Academic Advising Form (AAF):
- Review course offerings prior to meeting with IP Academic Advisor
- Step 4: Complete application by submitting the following:
- Academic Advising Form is emailed to UFIC’s study abroad services.
- Verify and submit your current passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months after program end date.
- Pay $395 non-refundable deposit via online application.
- Submitting deposit does not guarantee program placement nor does it retain spot – please complete this step last.
Passport and Scholarship Information
- Obtain/Renew passport
- If you do not have a passport, or if your current passport is set to expire sooner than six months after your expected return date, you must obtain a new passport.
- Visit Travel.State.Gov for more information. UF Passport Services offers passport support on campus.
- You will need to a copy of your passport by the program’s application deadline. Choose Expedited Service as needed.
- Applicants may be withdrawn if they are unable to obtain a passport accordingly.
- Apply for scholarships
- Apply for a Heavener School of Business scholarship.
- Apply for a UFIC scholarship.
- Review additional possible scholarships.
- If you receive a Pell Grant, consider applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship.
- Research other scholarship opportunities: the list above is not comprehensive.
Please note: Scholarships have different requirements, deadlines, and notification dates. Please pay attention to the details of each scholarship you’re applying for.
Program Dates
Summer 2025:
- June 30 – July 10: Virtual Classes through UF
- July 11: Departure for Tokyo
- July 12– Arrival in Tokyo
- July 13 – August 8: On-Site Program in Japan
- August 9: Departure to the US
Terms of Agreement
Students wishing to withdraw from their study abroad program must do so before the following date to avoid fee liability: Summer 2025: April 1, 2025.
Students become financially obligated for the full cost of their study abroad if they withdraw after April 1, 2025. Only in extreme circumstances (e.g., serious personal injury, family emergency, etc.) will a student be allowed to petition for withdrawal prior to the start of the program. Petitions will be reviewed by the Associate Dean and Director of the Heavener School of Business. With successful petitions to withdraw from the program, after the financial liability deadline, the program partner abroad reserves the right to charge students a withdrawal fee. For more information, please contact the International Program Office.
Academic Structure
- GEB 4956: Cross-Cultural Communication in Business (3 UF GPA credit)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the Japanese culture including effective business communication across cultures. Students will enhance their awareness and understanding of cross-cultural communication, its theoretical elements, and their application in the workplace and everyday life. Students will also assess their own perspectives and world views regarding cultural similarities and difference through course readings and assignments visiting Japanese businesses, attending panels of business experts, participating in cultural activities, and engaging in continuous self-reflection throughout the program. - GEB 4956: Business Consulting in a Global Setting (3 UF GPA credits)
This course will provide an overview and understanding of management consulting and the various consulting frameworks used by organizations to solve complex business problems to improve operations, enhance performance, and increase revenue. Relying on project-based model, students will develop consulting skills and learn how to analyze complex business situations and develop practical solutions. Students will also get the opportunity to work with a local or multinational organization in Japan and work on a capstone project entailing an organizational challenge identified by the client organization. Serving as management consultants, students will work in teams to develop strategic solutions that address the challenge(s) presented to them and arrive at solutions.
Program Cost
Summer 2025: $9,162.71
Program fee includes all academic expenses (tuition/fees), orientations, co-curricular activities & excursions, housing, all breakfasts, company visits, international travel medical insurance, and 24/7 emergency support.
Billing and program payments are handled through the UF International Center. Learn more about deposit (non-refundable), program fees, and billing & payment timeline. UF Students may apply Bright Futures, Prepaid (special form required – see link), and other scholarships toward program expenses. Students should submit a Deferment Request Form as needed. Non-Florida residents pay the same program fee as Florida residents.
Housing
Students will stay in double occupancy rooms with private bathrooms, in a hotel with daily free breakfasts and internet access.
Tokyo, 28 nights at Hotel Mystayts Gotanda Station (3*), or similar
Kyoto, 2 nights at Hotel Mystays Shijo (3*), or similar
Outside of the Classroom
Students will engage in numerous structured and unstructured cultural activities. Potential activities may include:
- US Embassy and 3 Japanese Company Visit
- City Tour of Tokyo
- Kimono Wearing and Tea Ceremony
- Trip to Kamakura
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Tour of Kyoto
- Nijo Castle
- Cooking Class
- Team Labs (Digital Art Gallery)
- Excursion to Mt. Fuji
Predeparture Preparations
- Attend the Mandatory First Meeting: Date TBD
- Attend the Mandatory Pre-Departure Session: Date TBD