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UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan

Two tree-covered mountains stand in the foreground, with more mountains and a lake visible but obscured by clouds in the background.
A bird's eye view of a number of square fields in various shades of green.

Japan, Obihiro

The UW Food Systems and the Environment in Northern Japan program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with International Academic Programs and the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (OUAVM).

From production to consumption, a global challenge is to develop effective food systems that ensure a safe, secure, sustainable, affordable, accessible and nutritious food supply for all. While Japan is ranked among the world’s biggest economies, its ageing population -- combined with an exodus of the younger generations away from rural areas—contributes to its low rank in terms of food security. It’s food self-sufficiency ratio on calories basis hovers at only 37% since 2018.

This field experience program will take students to the agricultural heartland of Hokkaido, the northernmost island and largest agricultural production area of Japan. Offered in partnership with faculty members from the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, students will explore the natural resources, crop, livestock and dairy farm operations of the area, and will develop understanding of the complexity of achieving food security while preserving their traditions and culture.

In the first part of the program, which takes places virtually over 3 days prior to departure, an overview of the historical background, culture, natural environments and resources in Hokkaido will help students build knowledge of underlying natural and traditional influences on current food production systems. Students will do individual research to further gain place-based knowledge of Japan. 

Upon arrival in Japan, students will explore the social and economic challenges, and benefits of the local agricultural systems in Hokkaido. Students will learn about leading sciences and technologies related to arable farming in changing climate conditions, as well as animal agriculture, food and crop sciences, and dairy production systems.

A combination of lectures and field trips to local farms, food production & processing facilities will complete student’s understanding of multiple aspects of Japan’s agricultural systems with an emphasis on the question: “Why they do what they do?” See the Excursions & Activities section for more information on the various field trips.

Wisconsin and Hokkaido share a common latitude of 43° and experience similar climates and seasonal changes. As the group explores the region, participants will notice many resemblances between the two places – from the natural and agricultural landscapes that include crops such as corn, potatoes, and soy, to the design of the dairy farms – complete with herds of Holstein cows. And yet fascinating differences exist, not only in size and scale, but also in how values and culture can influence agricultural practices.

The program also features cultural segments, where students will also learn about Japanese culture, traditions, etiquette, and food, such as making tofu from scratch, and interact with fellow undergraduate Japanese students from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.

Add-on Research Experience! Students who participate on this program have the opportunity to arrive in Japan 6-8 weeks before the start of the program to participate in a credit bearing research internship in a research laboratory with our Japanese partners at OUAVM. Please reach out to the Study Abroad Advisor and Program Leader for more information.

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:

  • Recognize social, economic, and environmental influences on local agricultural systems and find suitable approaches to analyze them
  • Develop an understanding of the scientific and technological advances, as well as traditional practices adopted in the local agricultural environment
  • Critically assess and contrast traditional practices in Hokkaido’s agricultural environment with the food systems in Wisconsin
  • Cultivate cultural competency by studying the social, political, economic, and technological aspects of agriculture in Northern Japan
  • Enhance intercultural communication skills by working with students from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine who will also take the course
  • Evaluate opportunities for professional careers in the international food production industry

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

  • This program is open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate students at any U.S. college or university. Preference is given to UW-Madison students.

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 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

Agronomy, Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Animal Science, Dairy Science, Horticulture, Soil Science and Environmental Sciences

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Mid-August – late-August

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [+ Research Internship] 2/6/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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This program is geared toward students studying biology, agronomy, agricultural business management, agricultural and applied economics, animal science, dairy science, global health, horticulture, soil science, environmental sciences and environmental studies, as well as Asian studies.

UW-Madison students will gain cultural understanding of Japanese society by working alongside fellow undergraduate Japanese students throughout the class. Students from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine will work closely with students to support the course and facilitate cross-cultural activities. During the program, students will also learn by observing the local natural resources, as well as studying the social, political, economic, and technological aspects of agriculture in the area.

This program fulfills the field experience requirement for the Undergraduate Certificate in Global Health. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn 2 credits of Horticulture 375, Environmental Studies 402, or Nutritional Sciences 421.

Add-on Research Experience! Students who participate on this program have the opportunity to arrive in Japan 6-8 weeks before the start of the program to participate in a credit bearing research internship in a research laboratory with our Japanese partners at OUAVM. Please reach out to the Study Abroad Advisor and Program Leader for more information.

There is no Japanese language pre-requisite for the study abroad program or the research internship; all lab work will be conducted in English. However, if students are interested in learning Japanese, a 2-credit ASIALANG 113 — First Semester Japanese course is offered at UW-Madison during the spring semester.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Researchers at Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

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

Aurelie Rakotondrafara