Architecture in Asia : Reviews (Osaka)
The following program review responses have been selected for publication by Study Abroad & Global Engagement
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Winter Break 2024 Participant
I really enjoyed all the networking opportunities that we were presented with. Having the opportunity to meet with architecture firms, students, and other Jayhawks abroad allowed me to expand my network.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
My favorite part of this program was visiting a variety of buildings from traditional architecture to contemporary. Kyoto may have been the best location for witnessing traditional buildings in proximity to modern additions.
Winter Break 2025 Participant
The professors really made sure our trip was worthwhile, giving us plenty of time at each architectural spot, having us try new foods, and encouraging us to go off and explore on our own too!
Winter Break 2025 Participant
My favorite part of the Architecture in Asia study abroad was seeing such a wide range of projects, from temples built in 700 CE to brand-new cutting-edge designs. I also appreciated having a free day in each city to explore something that I found interesting on my own.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
My favorite part of this program (other than the food) was walking through each building. This experience allowed me to develop a clear mental map of each building we studied, expanding my horizons for inspiration and design.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
One element that I found particularly fulfilling was the opportunity to independently explore the locations. This granted us the ability to immerse ourselves in a culture unfamiliar to us, experiencing it in our unique way and often this felt authentic. I believe this approach facilitated more genuine and unique encounters.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
I found getting to meet with local architecture students in Seoul, Korea was a rewarding experience due to their willingness to introduce us to deeper elements of their culture and generosity in helping us experience their city with them.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
The exposure to different design techniques and architectural language may have been the most rewarding aspect of this trip. Having the ability to see technological and architectural advancements applied to the buildings we visited on this trip allowed me to visualize architecture in a new and exciting way.
Winter Break 2025 Participant
At the end of our itinerary each day, we got free time so we were able to go out exploring the city ourselves which was a great experience.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
The architecture of a city unlike ours with more public infrastructure is very rewarding to experience.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
We did a lot of walking every day, sometimes upwards of 30,000 steps but it was all worth it to explore the architecture that can only be found in this part of the world.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
The most rewarding part of this program was all of the architecture we were able to see. We had three weeks of a fully loaded schedule and although it was tiring somedays, we were able to see much of each country. I also enjoyed that our professors encouraged us to go out of comfort zone and try different activities and foods.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
There are a great deal of cultural aspects that affect how we as architects design buildings. On this trip, it was interesting to see how Japanese and Korean culture affected the layout and appearance of the buildings we visited. As a student, you can see architectural design through a new lens.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
I learned a lot about the cultural differences that set South Korea and Japan apart from other countries across the globe. My understanding of these cultures has expanded my outlook on the world as a whole and gives me more confidence to travel to more international locations.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
One of the things I learned during the program was that you should never be relaxing at your hotel. There is always something to do or something to explore, and the few weeks that you are studying abroad will go by faster than you think. Make the most of your experience!
Winter Break 2026 Participant
Jae and Kapila are great resources to find the best places to eat or interesting spots to explore on a free day. They also have great insight into specific techniques and design choices that set these buildings and architects apart from the rest.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
This study abroad program truly pushes students out of their comfort zone, forcing them to step into a new culture. Learning about how things work on the opposite side of the world is very beneficial, especially with architecture. Students need to see how things are done outside of the United States, specifically.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
I gained lots of knowledge in this program. I think learning in our courses here at KU is great, but getting to be physically at the buildings, seeing how their systems keep them functioning, that adds a lot of depth to the learning experience.
Winter Break 2026 Participant
Learning about architecture, both historical and contemporary, from the East, as the KU architecture program often highlights Western works.