04/06/2026
Ten IU East students, along with two faculty directors, traveled more than 13,000 miles by plane, bullet train, taxi, and bus over spring break as part of a study abroad experience in Japan.
This immersive trip to the Kanto and Kansai regions was connected to an Art History course exploring the diffusion of artistic expression and material culture across East Asia. Originally designed by former IU East professor Ann Kim, the course introduces students to non-Western history and traditions while examining how national identities are shaped and expressed over time.
In just eight days, students fully immersed themselves in Japanese culture and tradition. Highlights included visits to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, TeamLab’s Biovortex Digital Art Museum, Shibuya Crossing, and Akihabara Electric Town. Students also experienced several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Nijo Castle, Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall, and Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
Experiences like this leave a lasting impact on students across disciplines, shaping how they think, learn, and engage with the world beyond the classroom. We are grateful to IU East for supporting transformative opportunities that broaden perspectives and inspire lifelong learning.
