A Passport to Possibility: Students Discover New Paths Through Study Abroad in Japan

June 9, 2026

From May 21-31, 23 Dallas College students traded their everyday routines for an immersive, unforgettable experience in Japan. Through the Language and Culture Immersion in Japan Study Abroad Program, students explored Kyoto and Tokyo and participated in educational excursions to Nara and Hakone, gaining a deeper understanding of Japan's history, culture, education system and contemporary society. 

Developed with the support of Professor Mariko Kline and co-led by Dr. Jiajun Bracewell and Professor Kay Coder, the program provided students with firsthand insight into Japanese history and culture while building skills in global communication, cultural exchange and international career readiness. 

While many participants had completed or were enrolled in Japanese language classes, the group represented a wide mix of majors and interests. That diversity allowed students to connect what they were learning abroad to their own academic and career goals. 

Eric Arias, a biochemistry student working toward his Associate of Science degree, saw the study abroad program as an opportunity to think bigger about his future. 

“This experience helped me broaden my reach because, while we were in Japan, we visited three different institutions. I was able to meet and connect with students from other universities who are on similar paths, and I still keep in touch with some of them. I feel like that can benefit me in the future, whether that means possibly working in Tokyo one day, building connections or even doing research with people from different parts of the world.”

A World Beyond the Classroom 

For many students, the program was their first time traveling outside of the United States, and the learning started the moment they landed. From navigating Japan’s world-famous public transportation system to participating in hands-on cultural experiences, every day offered something new.  

Even the day-to-day experiences provided practical lessons and skills. Students quickly learned how to read transit maps, follow schedules and transfer between trains, buses and the Shinkansen (bullet train).  

“The train rides around the city were short, and the subway system was actually very nice and easy to learn once you got the hang of it,” said Arias. He described Shibuya, which is known for having one of the busiest railway stations in the world, as eye-opening and magical. “Everywhere you looked there was something new to see.”  

In Kyoto, students explored Japan's rich cultural heritage through visits to historic temples and cultural sites. At Ryoanji Temple, they viewed the famous Zen rock garden, which inspired many students to reflect on the calm and simplicity of Japanese aesthetics. At Enkoji Temple, students participated in two guided Zen meditation sessions led by a Buddhist monk, learning about mindfulness and Zen philosophy through direct experience. They also took part in a traditional tea ceremony at Maikoya, gaining insight into one of Japan's most enduring cultural traditions. 

Connecting Culture With Career Goals 

In addition to exploring Japan's history, language and cultural traditions, students gained insight into contemporary Japanese creative industries. At Anime Artist Academy, they participated in an illustration/character design workshop and a voice acting workshop led by industry professionals.  

During the workshops, students learned about differences between Japanese and Western artistic styles, explored principles of character design, and gained firsthand exposure to the Japanese voice acting industry. These experiences provided students with a deeper understanding of modern Japanese popular culture and potential career pathways within creative industries. 

Adriana Ordonez is planning to pursue a career in art by combining cinema and fashion design. “I felt the study abroad program informed me culturally of the historical art and architecture of Japan in a way that will directly be seen in my work. In a more practical sense, I can see myself taking inspiration from Japanese art and putting it into a motion graphics, graphic design or fashion design portfolio.” 

Emiliano Rodriguez, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Technology, hopes to one day work as a gaming programmer. “With that, I would like to live and work in Japan, and this experience makes me want to work even harder to achieve that goal.” 

Cross-Cultural Connections Near and Far 

One of the most meaningful parts of the program was the opportunity to build connections both internationally and within the group.  

At Kyoto Prefectural University (KPU), students participated in a cultural exchange program that included a cross-cultural communication workshop and line dance activity led by Professor Coder, lunch with KPU students, and an afternoon student exchange session.

The experience created meaningful opportunities for students from both institutions to build friendships, learn about each other's cultures, and discuss academic life in Japan and the United States. Many students exchanged contact information and have continued communicating since the visit, and several expressed interest in studying at KPU through the exchange agreement between the two institutions. The impact of the visit was evident when Dallas College student Myles Turner said, "This is the best day of my life."

“Something I love about the U.S. is how many people from different places of origin live here, and I'm always grateful to talk to them and learn about their culture,” said Dallas College student Wyatt Keyes Baker. “Our visit to Japan was my first time out of the U.S., so it was a really meaningful experience to be out of my comfort zone and learn about language and culture from people in their native country. Some of us, myself included, even made some friends!”

Another student, Shirley Bracewell, shared, "The biggest highlight of the program was having the opportunity to talk with Japanese university students. It was an experience that opened my eyes to how similar, yet how different, we were. It was extremely interesting to see how and what shaped our perceptions of the other's culture, and how these perceptions played a role in intercultural communication."

The group also visited Temple University Japan Campus (TUJ) in Tokyo, where students attended an informative presentation by Dr. Matthew J. Wilson, president and dean of the Japan Campus, toured the campus with a student ambassador and admissions counselor, and learned about academic opportunities available to international students.

The visit provided students with a firsthand look at what it would be like to pursue a U.S.-accredited education while living and studying in Japan.

Students formed meaningful connections with people they met throughout the program, including Academic Programs International (API) guide Thomas Richter, who accompanied the group throughout their time in Japan. 

“We ended up making some pretty great friendships while we were there, not only with the students in the group, but also with our guide and the people we met along the way,” added Arias. “A big part of what made the program special was that we all experienced it together.”

Pictured from left to right: Emiliano Rodriguez, Wyatt Baker, Thomas Richter (API guide), Andrew Coleson and Eric Arias.

A Global Perspective 

For many students, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just what they saw and learned through the program, but how the experience changed the way they think. 

“While there are barriers to human connection, such as language and culture, we all share a fundamental connection as people,” Baker said. “Simple, earnest efforts to break down those barriers, such as learning a language and respecting cultures and customs, makes it possible for people to connect on a deep and meaningful level. I'm looking forward to traveling more and creating even more of these experiences.” 

Arias said, “It reminded me that learning is not only about being in a classroom. Sometimes you learn something new just by being somewhere new, paying attention and seeing how people live differently from you. That is something I think will stay with me long after I finish my time at Dallas College.” 

That perspective is proof that sometimes the most impactful education happens far beyond campus.

• Campus News
• Programs and Degrees