Study Abroad

Japan - Summer 2025

Tentative Travel Dates: June – July, 2025

RCCD is offering a six-week study abroad program to Japan during summer of 2025. Students can expect to take a course in Psychology (PSY 9) OR Entrepreneurship (ENP 54) AND experience a 4-week internship (WKX 200) with an English-speaking Tokyo based company. Japan is rich in traditional culture and historical heritage where nature, history, and technology coexist in harmony. While you study abroad in Japan, you can learn more about its food, geography, politics, and history. Japan - the “Land of the Rising sun” - is an archipelago of more than 6,800 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located on a large volcanic zone - it has more than a hundred active volcanoes. About three quarters of the land of Japan is made of forests and mountains. This is the reason why Japan features a high population density and huge metropolises, most of which are situated on the coasts. Japan has four seasons, and you can enjoy its beautiful nature throughout the year.

With more than 126 million inhabitants, Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world. People from all over the world are attracted to Japan to enjoy, explore and learn more about traditional culture like Kabuki, flower arrangement, calligraphy, as well as more modern advances such as anime, manga, games, and movies. Don't forget the delicious foods and flavors which are unique to Japan. Whether you love savory ramen or fresh sushi, Japan has a wide range of appetizing cuisine to enjoy. Japanese cuisine, or washoku, touches on all the flavor profiles: sweet, bitter, salty, sour, spicy, and umami.

Space is limited for this trip. If you want to go but don't have a passport, you should start that process as soon as possible.

Passport Information

Classes (Pick One):

Business Model Canvas and Presentations for Entrepreneurs: ENP 54 with Professor Marcus Anderson (3 units)

Description: While drawing on lessons from Tokyo’s unique business environment, learn to master the Business Model Canvas for transformative use as a dynamic sales tool. You’ll learn to craft compelling presentations with video, animation, and visuals to drive your business forward.

Developmental Psychology: PSY 9 with Professor Sara Yerushalmian (3 units)

Description: Learn about the fascinating journey of human life-span development from the other side of the world! Discover how biological, societal, and environmental factors shape our development across the physical, cognitive, and emotional domains. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant culture and iconic sights while applying your knowledge in real-world settings. Together we will experience firsthand how culture and the environment influence development in ways you’ve never seen before. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn about human development from an exciting global perspective and make unforgettable connections between research, theory and real-world experiences!.

Internship: Students will intern for 4 weeks with an English-speaking company in Tokyo and earn credit for General Work Experience: WKX 200 (2 units)

Description: Work Experience is designed to coordinate the student’s on-the-job training with workplace skills designed to assist the student in developing successful professional skills. Each student will establish measurable learning objectives appropriate for their job and discipline. Students may earn up to four (4) units each semester, for a maximum of 16 units of work experience total. 60 hours of volunteer work or 75 hours of paid work during the semester are required for each unit. No more than 20 hours per week, out of the 60 or 75 requirement, may be applied toward the work requirement. The course consists of an 18 hours of orientation/professional skills development and 60 hours of volunteer work experience per unit with a maximum of 240 for four units per semester OR 75 hours of paid work experience per unit, with a maximum of 300 for four units per semester. (2 units = 160 hours)

Student Information Session Dates:

Monday, 9/16: 12:30 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Thursday, 9/19: 1:30 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, 9/24: 12:45 pm in Umoja Home Room (Bradshaw, Room 110) @ Riverside City College

Tuesday, 9/24: 6 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, 9/25: 12:30 pm in La Casa Engagement Center (Bradshaw, Room 202) @ Riverside City College

Wednesday, 9/25: 6:30 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Thursday, 9/26: 2:30 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, 10/1: 1 pm in SAS 214 @ Moreno Valley College

Wednesday, 10/2: 1 pm IT 202 @ Norco College

Friday, 10/4: 12 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Thursday, 10/17 1 pm via Zoom. Please REGISTER HERE

Missed attending an information session. VIEW a recorded session.

Application:

Applications are due by October 25 at 11:59 pm

Interest Form:

Please add your name to this form if you would like to be updated about the information sessions and opening of the application process.

Program Cost: $6415 - $6815 (estimated)

Costs Include: Application fees, airfare, housing, classrooms, internship arrangement, resume & interview assistance, subway travel card, travel insurance, and welcome & farewell events.

Costs DO NOT Include: RCCD class registration fees, food, drink, subway travel costs, cell phone, personal items, entertainment, personally arranged travel.

Scholarship Opportunities: ·

The Gilman Scholarships can support students to study abroad for up to $5000. There are qualification criteria and a selection process. It is worth the time to apply!