Photograph: Osaka, Japan skyline at night.

Washburn Law Summer Study Abroad Program in Osaka, Japan

Overview of Tentative 2023 Program

Updated April 19, 2023.

  • A Comparative Constitutional Law course (3 credits, with a focus on rights in the U.S., Japanese, Canadian, and E.U. systems), taught at Osaka University for three weeks from May 24-June 14, 2023 (hotel check in: May 21; hotel check out: June 14).
  • The course will include both Washburn Law and Osaka University students, and will be taught primarily by Professor Craig Martin of Washburn, with some guest lectures from professors from Osaka University.
  • Classes each morning Monday-Thursday, with field trips on Fridays.
  • Students will stay in a local hotel a short train ride from school.
  • Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, is a quick subway ride away.
  • Students will be able to participate in ITAP before leaving, and be back in time to take summer classes at Washburn, do an externship, or work for the rest of the summer!
  • Budget still to be determined, but stipends and financial assistance will be available; in the past we were able to keep the total cost little over $2,000 more than the cost of a 3 credit course undertaken at Washburn in Topeka.
  • Please email Professor Martin at craig.martin@washburn.edu if you are interested in attending the program or have questions.

Why Study in Japan?

Map: Japan.The economic and political center of gravity is shifting from the Atlantic, between the U.S. and Europe, to the Pacific, between East Asia and the U.S. East Asia, particularly China and Japan, are becoming more important to the future of the U.S. in economic and political terms than any other region of the world. China and Japan are now the second and third largest economies in the world, and together comprise more of the global GDP than the United States. Understanding East Asia is only going to become more important as time goes on.

Japan is the closest and most important ally of the United States in Asia. It is the second largest trading partner of the United States in Asia. The Constitution of Japan was written by Americans in 1946, and Japanese legal scholars, lawmakers, and jurists, continue to be influenced by American constitutional thought. It is a fascinating constitutional law system, with both interesting similarities and radical differences from the American system, from which American students can learn much.

Finally, Japan is a country that has a rich, vibrant, and fascinating culture, and is at the same time the safest developed country in the world. It offers an extraordinary environment for both first-time travellers and veterans of international travel.

International Skills and Experience

Washburn Law hopes that all law students will strongly consider an international and cross-cultural experience before entering the workforce. At the same time, we recognize that many students need to balance that opportunity with additional summer coursework and domestic work experience. Therefore, the Osaka Japan program is specially designed so that Washburn students can earn three credits abroad during the first third of the summer, then return home for summer internships, employment, or even to take more classes during the second summer session. Learn more about the program schedule.

Affordability

The Osaka Japan program is designed to make study abroad as accessible and affordable as possible. Most of the costs of the program, including tuition, meals, airfare, housing, and more, are eligible for financial aid. The program is also eligible for Washburn University scholarships that will help to defray the cost. Learn more about tuition and aid. Learn more about tuition and aid.


Short URL for this page:
https://washburnlaw.edu/osaka

March 1 Scholarship Application Deadline

Washburn Law students are eligible to apply for study abroad scholarships awarded through the International Programs Office at Washburn University. Applications are due by March 1. Learn more and apply.