If you plan on heading to Japan through SPC’s study abroad, then this will be for you. After getting the chance to explore several beautiful cities of Japan with SPC’s group, I can assure you that I would do it again. It was honestly really refreshing to be able to go to Japan and meet tons of people exactly like me and fit in perfectly, it was all so worth going, especially for the culture.

Before coming on this trip. I thought I would have had to fill out a bunch of paperwork for the class, but they were super accommodating, giving us many months to prepare and get acquainted with everyone. Our professor, Whaley, was extremely patient and kind with all of us, trusting us to roam Japan ourselves (with a buddy) when we had our free time. Do not worry about having too much luggage with you, you will most likely get 2 free checked bags and a carry on, they also ship the luggage between hotels which is really comforting.

Japan itself was beautiful, I got to visit many wonderful Japanese shrines and castles praising kami and Buddhism, learning more and more as time went on with the trip. Getting accustomed to the culture was actually pretty easy, besides using chopsticks. Most shops open around 11pm to 12pm so, most of the time you will not be getting up real early to go anywhere, so do not worry about having to wake up at 6 am everyday. Everyone in Japan was so kind, greeting us wherever we went, same with our many wonderful tour guides. My personal favorite expedition was visiting the giant Gundam statue.

– Juance, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2025