IBUS 1021 Design Your Life in a Global Context (equivalent to BA 1021)
Undergraduate Global Enrichment in JapanProgram Dates:
Program Closed for 2026-2027
Classes: Thursdays 1:45 - 3:00pm, Fall Semester 2026. This course meets for the full-term.
Overseas Program: January 2-13, 2027; dates subject to change
IBUS 1021 Program Video by 2026 participant Nhi Ly
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.
The program culminates in a short-term field experience in Japan, where students explore how values, wellbeing, and life design are shaped by culture. The journey begins in Tokyo, a vibrant global capital where centuries-old traditions meet the pace and possibilities of modern life. Through cultural experiences and site visits, students will examine how Japanese approaches to balance, productivity, and community shape everyday life. Tokyo provides a dynamic setting to consider how personal values and definitions of success are influenced by the environments in which we live, work, and learn.
The program then travels to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and a city deeply rooted in mindfulness, tradition, and intentional living. Here, students will explore the concept of ikigai—the idea of finding purpose and meaning through the intersection of what you value, what you enjoy, and how you contribute to the world. Experiences throughout Kyoto will provide opportunities to reflect on how mindfulness, simplicity, and connection are integrated into daily life, offering a distinct cultural perspective on personal wellbeing and life design.
By moving from the fast-paced energy of Tokyo to the intentional rhythms of Kyoto, students will experience how different cultural contexts can shape the way we think about purpose, success, and quality of life. Rather than simply studying life design as a concept, this global experience challenges students to examine their own values and priorities through a new cultural lens—and return home with a clearer vision for designing a life that matters to them.
Accommodations
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.
Meals
Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotels. A welcome dinner and closing dinner are also included in the program. Students with dietary restrictions are expected to research and be prepared for their time abroad. Generally, Japan can be challenging for people with allergies/restrictions to fish, soy, and/or gluten.
- 2 credits that substitute for Carlson's BA 1021 Design Your Life course
- 1 credit will be earned in Fall 2026, and 1 credit will be earned in Spring 2027
- Grading is A-F basis
This is program is open to students transferring into Carlson in Fall 2026 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 15, 2026. 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
- Fall Carlson transfer students will be invited to apply
This course meets for the full fall semester. This course will be taught by Carlson Global Institute's Intercultural Learning Specialist, Maria Mantey. 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.
- Departing for a morning academic or company visit ~8:00 AM
- Lunch break on your own
- Afternoon programming (academic or company visit, or cultural activity)
- Most evenings free after ~5:00 PM
- 10–20 minutes of walking at a time, multiple times per day
- Frequent use of public transportation (10–40 minute rides)
- Some travel during rush hour
- Standing and navigating busy trains and train stations
This is an active, immersive program designed for undergraduate business students. Days are full but balanced, combining company visits, cultural experiences, and neighborhood exploration in each city.
Daily Schedule
Walking & Transportation
Overall Pace
The program is moderately demanding but manageable. Expect steady movement throughout the day and full engagement in professional settings. If you are comfortable walking several miles per day in an urban environment, you should be well-prepared.
Evenings are generally unscheduled, providing time to rest, explore, or connect with classmates.
Cost
These estimates will vary based on student preference and exchange rates. All details are subject to change based on economic and international factors. Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. All costs are subject to change prior to departure. No program fee will be charged if travel does not occur.
* Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad.
** Cost for a first-time U.S. passport. Non-U.S. passport holders should check with the Japanese consulate regarding the entry and visa process and costs.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
| 2026-2027 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/Materials | $20 |
| Daily Living Expenses (local transportation, incidentals, required international data and calling, laundry, etc.) | $200 |
| Meals (lunch and dinners not included in program; does not include alcohol) | $250 |
| Total | $635 |
| Additional estimated personal spending money and personal travel (not included in financial aid calculation) | $200-$500 |