UW Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan

Biochemistry Scholarships
Biochemistry majors who participate on this program will receive an automatic $1,000 scholarship from the Biochemistry department

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Japan, Hiroshima

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. We anticipate that it will receive more qualified applications than available spots. Review of applicants is based on the posted Eligibility Requirements (see top right side of this webpage) and these criteria. You may only have one application per term, however, please have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Dive into an introduction to biological sciences research using cutting-edge methodologies in biochemistry on this immersive three week program in Japan. Students will engage in a comprehensive combination of lectures, discussions, fieldwork, and laboratory work focused on a central research question on gene regulation. In teams of two to three, students will conduct fieldwork, perform laboratory experiments, and analyze data under the instruction of a Program Leader representing UW-Madison and a Japanese researcher based at Hiroshima University. Participants will be empowered to tackle life science challenges in intercultural settings, getting a jump start into future undergraduate research endeavors. Students will also build their knowledge of the Japanese cultural context by immersing themselves in Japanese traditions, history, and daily life. Cultural activities include excursions to the Kyosenji Temple, Senseki Garden, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Botanical Garden, Mount Misen, the Museum of History, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, and a local brewery.

Please review Eligibility Requirements on top right of this program page.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

Develop scientific techniques to conduct effective research in biological sciences
Expose to different modes of doing research and thinking about science
Demonstrate critical thinking and comparative perspectives with respect to experiences as well as scientific and cultural approaches to societal and international challenges
Evaluate opportunities for professional careers in the international scientific research fields
Cultivate cultural competency and personal growth from the invaluable experience of living abroad

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

Open to students in all schools and colleges, with preference given to students in the Biochemistry major and students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)
Preference given to students with Freshman and Sophomore standing
2.5 cumulative GPA
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Biological & Physical Science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Summer: Mid-June to Early July (3 weeks)

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

Participants will receive 3 credits of Biochemistry 307 - Stucy Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan upon successful completion of the three-week program in Japan. This program offers a comprehensive approach that combines research-centered hands-on learning and academic exploration within a single framework. Students will be embedded in a biochemistry lab at Hiroshima University, where they will collaborate in teams of two to three to conduct fieldwork, perform laboratory experiments, and analyze data under the instruction of Dr. Katsura Asano and Dr. Erica Shu.

This program is approved to fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Hiroshima University

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Erica Shu

Program Leader, Biochemistry

Dr. Erica Shu has extensive experience developing and teaching laboratory-based and lecture-based biochemistry courses to students at all undergraduate levels here at UW-Madison and at Cornell University. She has previously worked as a visitoring research professor at Hiroshima University.

Location

Hiroshima, an ancient Japanese city with a rich history that includes samurai and shoguns has survived earthquakes and floods, suffered the world's first atomic bomb attack, and survived to become a thriving modern city with ~1,200,000 inhabitants that attracts visitors from around the world. Hiroshima University is a national research university established in 1949 in the city of Hiroshima. Its five guiding principles are: The Pursuit of Peace; The Creation of New Forms of Knowledge; The Nurturing of Well-Rounded Human Beings; Collaboration with the Local, Regional and International Community; and Continuous Self-Development.

Housing

Students will be housed in single rooms in Mirai Crea, the campus housing for international students and visitors. WIFI is available in all rooms. This housing unit is ~15-minute walk away from the research lab. The following are provided: Study Desk and Chair, Bed, Wardrobe, Wagon Table, Folding Chair, Shoes Cabinet, Refrigerator, Kitchen, Gas Stove, Bookshelf, Curtains, Air-Conditioner/Heater Unit, Water Heater, Unit Bathroom (Bathtub, Toilet), Bedding.

Students will be asked to complete a “Application for Residence” form to secure housing. There is no official deadline for the application, however, early application is strongly encouraged.

Meals are the students' responsibility. There are dining halls and many other dining options on and nearby campus.

We typically place students in rooms or residence halls with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons. We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad. We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad. If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

Cultural activities include excursions to the Kyosenji Temple, Senseki Garden, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Botanical Garden, Mount Misen, the Museum of History, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, and a local brewery.

On-Site Support

A UW-Madison program leader will supervise the group.

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program. Your Program Leader will announce orientation dates following the release of application decisions.

Visa

A visa is not required for US citizens for this program. US citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non US Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions.

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for arranging round-trip flights to and from Japan. The Program Leader will provide guidance for arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Financial Aid

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Find scholarships

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session

Application Status

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Larissa Yankovich (Make an appointment with Larissa Yankovich, or email yankovich@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Larissa Yankovich (Make an appointment with Larissa Yankovich, or email yankovich@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Kaley Grunwald (kgrunwald@wisc.edu)

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