Skip to Content

College of Social Work

  • Japan trip 2023

International Experience

Understanding diverse cultural perspectives is key to leading effective social change. We will help you become a global citizen whether you engage with international students on campus or take advantage of our international practice experience opportunities.

The College of Social Work understands the global influence on social work practice. As a social work student at the University of South Carolina, you can share life experiences with classmates and reflect on your diverse world views by learning how to apply cultural differences into effective practice for diverse populations.

Whether you are helping refugees resettle, striving to improve migrant worker health, coordinating discharge care for a non-English speaker or working abroad for a non-governmental agency, understanding cultural cues will boost your effectiveness as a clinician or policy adviser. College of Social Work programs have taken our students to places such as:

  • Vietnam
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Aruba
  • Africa
  • Bolivia
  • India

Buddhism & Social Work in Japan

Led by:Anna May, MSWand Melissa Reitmeier, PhD.Tour Dates: May 8 - 22, 2023*Tour Cost: $6,000 plus specified meals, personal expenses, shopping, and applicable feesJapan is an ultimate convergence of modern technology and ancient spirituality. Among the bustling metropolitan cityscapes, explore the tranquility of Buddhism and the contributions it has made to the field of social work.

• Explore Asakusa and Akihabara in Tokyo• Experience the Teamlab Planets Exhibition• Ride the Bullet Train cross country to each destination• Visit Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama in Kyoto• Explore a 11.4 meter bronze Buddha in Kamakura• Visit Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima• Tour Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Museum & Park• You’ll also visit the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and more!*Please note that events listed here and on final itinerary are subject to change.

• Roundtrip airfare to/from Tokyo, Japan• Hotel (13 nights, multiple occupancy)• 13 Breakfasts (hotels in each city)• In-country transportation• Welcome & Farewell dinners• Entrance to all venues and tours listed on final itinerary

• Trip interruption insurance• Lunches & Dinners not included in itinerary• Required vaccinations, and required medical clearance documentation• Personal expenses and shoppingPrice per student is $6,000 + Education Abroad required application and insurance fees. Program fees are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled by UofSC prior to departure, recoverable costs will be refunded. This trip is limited to 15 participants and is expected to fill quickly; reserve your space by submitting your first payment soon.

Reserve your space by Dec. 16, 2022.Payment Deadlines:1st Program Fee payment of $1,500 — due by Dec. 16, 20222nd Program Fee payment of $1,500 — due by Jan. 15, 20233rd Program Fee payment of $1,500 — due by Feb. 15, 20234th Program Fee payment of $1,500 — due by Mar. 15, 2023

Contact Anna May (May8@mailbox.sc.edu) for any questions related to the trip itinerary, payment, etc.


Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©