Fashion and Design Practice
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Excursions & Activities
- Get to Know Your Destination
- Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk
- Student Experience
Accommodations
Live in shared student housing with other UC Davis Summer Internship participants while experiencing daily life in Tokyo. Each participant is assigned a private bedroom with bedding provided and shares a kitchen, bathroom, and common spaces with fellow students. Depending on the housing provider, a brief virtual interview may be required before arrival.
Housing is selected with access to your internship in mind. Most students commute 45–60 minutes by Tokyo's extensive rail network, providing an opportunity to experience the city as local professionals do. During on-site orientation, SEKAIA staff will introduce you to Japan's public transportation system and help you become comfortable navigating your daily commute.
Housing assignments are based on local availability and may vary by location, building type, and amenities. While you may request a roommate, mutual requests cannot be guaranteed. In some cases, accommodation locations or housing types may change before the program begins, and comparable housing will be provided if adjustments are necessary.
We suggest bringing items to help you sleep in a shared room or group housing. Earplugs and eye masks have been helpful to students to sleep well in a new environment.
Meals
Meals are not included in the program cost, allowing you to explore Tokyo's diverse food scene and discover everything from neighborhood ramen shops and sushi restaurants to cafés, bakeries, and convenience stores. Shared apartment kitchens provide space to prepare your own meals and experience everyday life in Japan.
The program includes a welcome dinner and farewell dinner, offering opportunities to connect with your cohort, celebrate your experience, and reflect on your internship journey.
Excursions & Activities
Your learning in Tokyo extends beyond the internship. As part of your UC Davis academic experience, you'll participate in required program activities, professional events, and cultural excursions designed to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, design, innovation, and professional life. Participation in these activities is a required component of the program and contributes to your overall academic experience.
You'll explore Tokyo's creative industries, build relationships with your cohort, and experience the traditions and innovation that define modern Japan. Activities vary each year and may include:
- A welcome orientation and guided introduction to Tokyo.
- Visits to exhibitions at the National Art Center, Tokyo and other cultural institutions.
- A professional networking seminar featuring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals working across Japan's creative and business sectors.
- Day excursions to Hakone and Fuji-Q Highland park, providing opportunities to experience Japan's natural landscapes and popular attractions.
- Group networking events throughout the program that connect you with fellow interns, professionals, and the local community.
- A farewell dinner to celebrate your accomplishments and conclude your experience in Japan.
These experiences are designed to complement your internship, encourage cultural engagement, and help you build connections both inside and outside the workplace.
Get to Know Your Destination
Tokyo is a global center for design, technology, fashion, and creative industries. From contemporary architecture and cutting-edge retail districts to centuries-old temples and neighborhood markets, the city blends innovation with tradition in ways that shape everyday life and professional practice.
During your internship, you'll experience Tokyo beyond the workplace by exploring its diverse neighborhoods, engaging with Japanese culture, and observing how design influences everything from fashion and branding to public transportation, retail, and urban spaces. Whether you're commuting across the city, visiting museums, discovering local cafés, or spending a weekend exploring nearby destinations, Tokyo offers countless opportunities to learn from one of the world's most dynamic urban environments.
- Check out: Lonely Planet – Tokyo City Guide Video
Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk
Participation in this UC Davis Study Abroad program requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible. However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Davis. All participants must download and review the following information prior to departure. Any questions should be directed to the Program Coordinator.
Student Experience
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