Analyze global supply chains
Study sourcing, logistics, operations, innovation, sustainability, risk, and international trade in real settings.
Instructor-led · 3 credits · May 2027
See global supply chains where they happen.
Travel through Japan, South Korea, and China while connecting international business concepts to companies, cities, markets, transportation systems, cultural sites, and everyday life.
CountriesJapan · South Korea · China
DatesTentative May 9-27, 2027
DeadlineFeb. 1, 2027
Credits3 credits · ILSA 4479/5479
Minimum GPA2.0
Application deadline: February 1, 2027.
See application steps →
Why Bridging Borders
Turn three countries into your classroom.
This program is built for students who want to understand international business by observing it directly-how products move, how companies compete, how infrastructure supports commerce, and how culture changes the way business gets done.
Across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Seoul, Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai, academic seminars and guided reflection are paired with company and industry visits, guest speakers, cultural excursions, and direct observation.
Career-ready perspectiveConnect supply chain, operations, technology, policy, and culture across major Asian economies.
Experiential learningLearn through site visits, guest talks, academic seminars, cultural excursions, and observation.
Degree progressApproved for the LSBE upper-division International requirement and Liberal Education Global Perspectives.
Open beyond LSBERelevant for students in business, analytics, international studies, entrepreneurship, and other globally connected fields.
What you’ll gain
More than a trip abroad
Build a stronger global business lens while developing the confidence and cultural intelligence to work across borders.
Compare business practices
Observe how firms in Japan, South Korea, and China approach efficiency, quality, technology, service, and global competition.
Build cross-cultural skill
Practice adaptability, professional curiosity, reflection, and communication while navigating unfamiliar environments.
Academics
A 3-credit course built around experience.
Bridging Borders: Exploring International Supply Chain (ILSA 4479/5479) blends core concepts with real-world exposure in three economies central to global manufacturing, logistics, technology, and trade.
Course focus
- Global sourcing, logistics, and operations
- Innovation, sustainability, and risk management
- Economic policy and international trade
- Cross-cultural business and cultural intelligence
- International business strategy and global competitiveness
How you’ll learn
Academic seminarsBuild the concepts needed to interpret what you see abroad.
Guest talksHear perspectives on international markets and supply chain innovation.
Company & industry visitsObserve operations and strategic business practices firsthand.
Cultural excursionsSee how history, values, behavior, and place shape business.
Interactive workshopsPractice cross-cultural communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Reflection & observationConnect everyday experiences back to course concepts.
The journey
Seven cities. Three countries. One connected story.
Select a city to preview local photography. A photograph can show you a place. Being there helps you understand it.
Japan
Explore a global hub for advanced manufacturing, transportation, quality systems, consumer culture, and innovation.
South Korea
Experience Seoul as a living classroom for technology, consumer markets, urban systems, culture, and international business.
China
Connect history, education, manufacturing, innovation, infrastructure, and global commerce across major Chinese cities.
Housing: The official program snapshot lists hotel/hostel accommodations. Specific properties and day-by-day activities may change as arrangements are finalized.
A look back
Bridging Borders 2026
See what learning beyond the classroom looked like in Japan and South Korea through corporate visits, university exchange, cultural experiences, and shared exploration.
Cost & planning
Plan early. Use the official estimate.
The program uses a tiered pricing structure designed to make this international experience more accessible to students. As enrollment increases, the estimated program fee may decrease, meaning a larger group can result in a lower cost per student.
The cost information below is provided by UMD Study Abroad and reflects the most current published estimates. Final program costs may vary based on enrollment and other program-related factors.
Official cost estimate
The official program page notes that the cost estimate excludes the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Quick answers
Before you apply
Who is eligible?
The current official prerequisites list a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students may participate after freshman year or after completing 24 college credits following high school; students may apply during freshman year but must complete it in good standing before participation.
What requirement can the course fulfill?
The official page lists the LSBE upper-division International requirement and the Liberal Education Global Perspectives Category.
What are the travel dates?
The official page currently lists tentative program dates of May 10–28, 2027. Because dates are tentative, confirm them on the official program page before booking independent travel.
When do I need to apply?
The application deadline is February 1, 2027, and the confirmation deadline is February 14, 2027.
Do I need a passport now?
You do not need to wait to start planning. UMD notes that passport processing can take several weeks to a few months and recommends validity for at least six months beyond the program end date.
Ready to go?
Make May 2027 your global classroom.
Applications are managed through the University of Minnesota Education Abroad system. Use the exact program name and term below so you select the correct experience.