Japan Ambassadors Program
The Japan Ambassadors program is a 12-day international immersive experience in Japan. Students will follow in the footsteps of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Howard H. Baker to learn about Japanese culture, politics, history, and U.S.-Japan relations through meetings with Japanese policy makers, U.S. diplomatic staff, researchers at think tanks, and Japanese university students. Visit museums, cultural sites, think tanks, Japanese government agencies, and universities.
Students in all academic programs and classifications are welcome to apply for this program. The trip will include 10 days of activities and 2 days of travel. Students will be based in Kobe and Tokyo, making several day trips to: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji, Yokohama, and Miyajima Island. Students will stay at the same hotels and have the chance to experience the wonderful food and culture Japan has to offer.
Why Japan Ambassadors?
Short-term, immersive experience: Not every student has the time or financial means to study abroad. This 12-day international immersive experience program allows students to gain global experience on an impactful trip but still allow students to complete additional summer coursework or internships.
Experiential learning at a lower cost: Academic credit is optional, which allows students the opportunity to have a global experience without being concerned about adding the credit hours. Students will have the chance to take an optional 3-credit course in the summer that allows them to apply what they have learned.
Baker School unique experience: Student Programs at the Baker School provide students with special experiences uniquely designed to engage students in the public policy process, whether in Knoxville, Washington, DC, or Japan. Through research, teaching, mentorship, and engagement, the School’s programs seek to provide a forum for exploring democracy and promoting leadership in public service.
Highlights of Program
- Learn about U.S. foreign policy in Japan, Japanese politics, diplomacy, and East Asian issues from U.S. diplomatic staff, policy makers at Japanese government agencies, and researchers at think tanks and universities
- Visit historic memorials, shrines, and museums symbolizing the transition from Imperial Japan to modern day Japan
- Meet with Japanese university students
- Immersive cultural experiences
Program Fee
The program fee is $1,800 and includes: double occupancy accommodations in hotels, two group dinners, all breakfasts, excursions, airport transfers, local transportation, guides, museum fees, and the bullet train from Kobe to Tokyo. Airfare and most lunches and dinners are not included.
Scholarships are available and details will be provided at information sessions in early spring 2024.
Extra funds are needed for flights (estimated at $2,000), personal expenses, passport, and tuition for optional 3-credit Independent Study course (summer session 1, 2 or full).
Information Sessions
Students interested in attending the Japan Ambassadors program are highly encouraged to attend one of the two information sessions. More details about these sessions will be added at the start of the spring semester.
Application
Link to student applications will be made available at the start of the Spring 2024 semester. Final dates of the 2024 program will be included on the application and updated here.
Contact
To learn more about Japan Ambassadors, please contact the Student Programs team at BakerStudents@utk.edu or Dr. Krista Wiegand at kwiegand@utk.edu.
