Study Abroad: Japan

Creative writing in Japan

May 16 to June 5, 2027

Begin your journey in Matsuyama, the haiku capital of Japan. Learn to write haiku and stories in Japanese narrative structures, alongside Japanese students at Ehime University. Next, travel to Kyoto and Tokyo to learn the craft of the personal essay, writing about these cities as you experience them firsthand. By the end of the program, you will have completed a portfolio of original haiku, short fiction and personal travel essay.

The trip features one course for three credits total:

  • ENG 222 – Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credit hours)

Learn about various writing approaches, techniques and the stages of crafting prose fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Complete writing exercises and analyze professional prose and poetry. The course emphasizes creative expression and critique of student writing.

Get details

Travel questions? Contact faculty leader:

Cost: $4,800*

*Trip cost subject to change due to unanticipated changes in currency exchange rate, airline and accommodation variations.

Cost includes:

  • round-trip airfare
  • accommodations
  • insurance
  • in-country transportation
  • cultural excursions/activities (as arranged for this program)

Cost excludes:

  • College of Lake County tuition and fees
  • passport fees
  • incidental/personal expenses
  • optional excursions
  • travel medicine

Application deadline: December 4, 2026

It takes only 5 minutes to complete the application!

Have your passport ready, the contact information for two CLC instructors to serve as your references (must be different from the faculty leader), and a short statement of purpose to demonstrate why you’d like to study abroad in this program.

Apply Online via the Education Abroad Portal

Limited spots available: Applications accepted first-come, first-serve after the $500 deposit has been paid in-person at the Welcome and One Stop Center. If accepted, faculty will schedule an interview with you to finalize the application process. Apply and pay as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Withdrawal information: Your deposit and other fees are refundable if you withdraw from the program no later than December 5, 2025. Withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to wwloch@clcillinois.edu.

Applicants will receive notice of acceptance into the program no later than December 11.

Scholarship opportunities

Payment schedule

Payment Schedule
PaymentAmountDue Date
First Payment$500 Dec. 4, 2026
Second Payment$1,800Jan. 22, 2027
Third Payment $1,500Feb. 19, 2027
Final Payment$1,000Mar. 5, 2027

 

 


What students say about study abroad at CLC


  • Photo of Braeden Scheifele in Japan

    Braeden Scheifele

    Study Abroad Student

    “I was nervous to go at first, but I’m so glad I did. This was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life. You’re only in college for so long, so you should take advantage of the opportunities available.”

    Braeden spent three weeks in Japan as part of the CLC study abroad program. A scholarship helped pay for the experience.

    Read Braeden's story

    Photo of Braeden Scheifele in Japan
  • Photo of a heron in a pond in Japan

    Jorge

    Study Abroad Student

    “I absolutely loved each and every part of the three-week trip like nothing else I have experienced in my life thus far. I cannot express my happiness enough for having had the honor of participating in what could be considered the trip of a lifetime.”

    Jorge spent three weeks in Japan as part of the CLC study abroad program.

    Learn where you can study abroad

    Photo of a heron in a pond in Japan
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CLC alum Violeta Ramirez answers questions about her study abroad experience in Japan.