IBUS 1021 Design Your Life in a Global Context (equivalent to BA 1021)
Undergraduate Global Enrichment in JapanProgram Dates:
The priority application for this program will close June 27
Classes: Thursdays 1:45 - 3:00pm, Fall Semester 2025. This course meets for the full-term.
Overseas Program: January 3-14, 2026; dates subject to change
Program Details
Design Your Life in a Global Context is a one-of-a-kind course that helps you shape your Carlson experience—and your future—based on what really matters to you. Think of it as your personal roadmap, where your values, interests, and wellbeing take the lead. In the fall, you'll connect with fellow transfer students in weekly sessions that build community and fuel curiosity. Then, over winter break, pack your bags—we’re heading to Japan where you’ll see how life design and wellbeing show up in a totally different culture.
Japan is renowned for its emphasis on healthy lifestyle and quality of life. The program begins in the capital city, Tokyo, then travels to Kyoto. It finishes in Okinawa, one of the world's "blue zones", to better understand the prevalence of longevity in this region.
The program hotel(s) will be conveniently located to program activities. Hotel specifics will be provided to participants in the program orientation. Because networking and community-building are essential components of the program, the expectation is that students will share a room with another program participant. If there are other accommodations that would support a student's access and inclusion on the program, there is an opportunity to request such preferences in the Housing Request Form after confirmation in the program. Guests are not permitted during the program. Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotels. A welcome dinner and closing dinner are also included in the program fee.
- 2 credits that substitute for Carlson's BA 1021 Design Your Life course
- 1 credit will be earned in Fall 2025, and 1 credit will be earned in Spring 2026
- Grading is A-F basis
This is program is open to students transferring into Carlson in Fall 2025 only.
U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to travel to Japan. If you already have a passport, you need to check the expiration date and confirm that it is more than seven months after the program ends. If you do not have a passport, or your passport needs to be renewed, you will need to apply for one immediately upon confirmation.
A visa is a document that proves that travel into a particular country has been approved by their governing body. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days for tourism in Japan. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with the Japanese consulate regarding visa requirements and fees. A consulate is a foreign government's official place of residence and representation in a foreign country. While consulates provide passports, birth registration, and many other services, they also have consular sections which issue visas for foreign citizens to visit, study, and work in their country. If you carry a passport other than a U.S. passport and are required to carry a visa into Japan, you will be responsible for securing your visa; you will work closely with the Program Manager to make sure you have any University-specific documentation that you need.
To apply, please visit the Apply page. The priority deadline is June 27, 2025. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications to competitive programs will be selected via lottery. Students will be informed of their application decision in about seven to ten days after the priority deadline.
If applications are competitive, priority will go to students with the highest FAFSA demonstrated financial need but all are welcome to apply.
This program is a funded experience by the Carlson Family Foundation.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. University of Minnesota students are eligible for education abroad scholarships. Please see Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
- Up to 30 University of Minnesota undergraduate students
- This program is intended for transfer students only as a cohort experience
This course meets for the full spring semester. This course will be taught by Director of Student Life & Career Design, Lisa Novack ([email protected]). The pre-departure classes are a fundamental component of the curriculum. These pre-departure classes are partly discussion-based given the broad range of diverse and complex challenges faced in international business, and therefore the quality of the student experience is dependent upon all students attending and participating in the pre-departure classes.
In order to be eligible to participate in the international portion of this class, students must maintain satisfactory academic performance as determined by the instructor. If your academic performance prevents you from participating in the international component of the course, you will not receive a refund of the program fee. Please bring any concerns about this directly to the Program Manager.
The program starts with a city tour and welcome dinner. The program includes guest lectures, company visits and cultural activities. Included in the program is time for a small amount of independent exploration.
Please contact the Program Manager if you have additional questions about the schedule.
Cost
| 2025-2026 Tuition for 4 academic credits (included in the 13+ credit tuition plateau) | $0 |
| Program Fee (including group lodging, program events, regional transportation*, breakfast daily, two group meals, and international health insurance**) | $0 |
| International airfare to and from Minnesota to Japan | $0 |
| Hotel Accommodation (included in Program Fee, above) | $0 |
| Passport and Photos*** | $165 |
| Textbooks | TBD |
| Daily Living Expenses (local transportation, incidentals, required international data and calling, laundry, etc.) | $200 |
| Meals (lunch and dinners not included in program) | $200 |
| Total Estimate | Estimated $565 |
| * Does not include $25-50 baggage fee for regional flights | |
| ** Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad. | |
| *** Cost for a first time US passport | |
| **** Costs are estimated for U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with the Japanese consulate regarding the visa application process and costs. |