PROGRAMS

Dates: June–August, 2026
Location: Bibai City, Hokkaido, Japan
Open to: U.S. undergraduate students (All majors welcome!)
 

Language Requirement: At least basic knowledge of Japanese language. Students are required to have completed at least two Japanese language courses or one Japanese language course and Japanese culture course prior to participating in this program. A stronger background in Japanese language and culture is highly encouraged, as the more prior study students have, the richer their engagement and learning experience will be throughout the program.
 

Program Overview

Join a select group of college students studying in USA and Japan for an exciting 8-week summer program in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan. Hosted in Bibai City — a community actively working toward rural revitalization and global innovation — this program offers a hands-on, interdisciplinary experience where you’ll tackle real-world challenges alongside local leaders and businesses. Whether you’re studying business, engineering, agriculture, international relations, education, design, or social sciences, your expertise is valuable. Together with teammates from diverse backgrounds, you’ll collaborate on meaningful projects that drive positive impact, from creating new products using local resources, to leading community-based English programs, to conducting field research that explores sustainability, regional policy, or cultural connections. More than a typical study abroad, this is an opportunity to grow your leadership and intercultural skills while making a tangible contribution to a rural community in Japan. We welcome students from all majors who are ready to share their talents, learn from one another, and co-create innovative solutions for Bibai’s future.

 

Participants work together on three key focus areas:

   Product & Service Development:
     Collaborate in mixed U.S.-Japan student teams to create original product ideas using Bibai’s local resources (e.g., agriculture,

     tourism, food, design). You'll conduct field research, meet local entrepreneurs, design prototypes, and present your ideas to real

     companies.

   English Education & Cultural Exchange:

     Plan and lead fun, community-based English learning activities for local youth and residents. Share your culture and language while

     improving your own intercultural skills — no prior teaching experience or Japanese required!

   Field Research & Academic Reflection:

     Conduct hands-on research in Bibai City focused on your area of academic interest — for example, sustainable agriculture,

     environmental stewardship, rural revitalization policies, or cultural exchange. You will interview local stakeholders (e.g. farmers,

     business owners, civic leaders), gather data through site visits and observations, and connect your findings to real-world challenges.

     At the end of the program, you’ll produce a research-based paper or presentation analyzing your observations and proposing

     solutions. This is an opportunity to apply your disciplinary knowledge to a rural, international setting and contribute deeper

     academic insights to Bibai’s future development.

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 Key Features: 

     1) Hands-on fieldwork with local businesses, government, schools, and farmers

     2) Workshops on design thinking, leadership, and cross-cultural communication

     3) Public presentation and media coverage of your project work

     4) Certificate of completion and potential to continue with the project after the program

 

 Program Support

     1) Local housing (shared house) provided

     2) On-the-ground staff support

     3) Orientation and cultural workshops

     4) Language courses are offered (Beginner to Advanced). This is a project-based and experiential language learning.