ADPR in Japan Study Abroad Program

Dates for 2025 are only estimates at this time and subject to change slightly:

May 11, 2025 – Students arrive in Japan

May 31, 2025 – Students depart from Japan

ADPR 5992: Public Relations in a Global Market

The course will instruct students in the nuances of the practice of public relations and advertising in a major global market, as well as the particulars of providing such services to U.S. clients abroad and the distinctions between agency practice in the U.S. and Japan.

Students will learn about the strategies and tactics associated with effective advertising, public relations, and public affairs campaigns in Japan. Students will also gain a deeper knowledge of Japan’s culture, arts, entertainment, history, and politics to understand how they inform these areas of practice. Students will be expected to attend all class meetings, participate in class discussions, produce a written analysis of an aspect of public relations or advertising practice unique to Japan, and a self-reflection paper sharing lessons learned from the Maymester program.

Students have the option of adding an unpaid internship in Japan at the conclusion of this Maymester program. Students should apprise the program director of this interest and he will in turn connect admitted students with appropriate individuals at OGE and the program vendor to facilitate their internship.

This program is open to any undergraduate university student that has an interest in advertising or public relations.

Tokyo, Japan

The program will begin in Tokyo, Japan’s capital – its economic and political epicenter.  Tokyo is one of the world’s most populous cities, home to more than 40 million residents in the greater metropolitan region, and a global financial center. Beyond this, Tokyo is a cultural center that features myriad museums, award-winning restaurants and cuisine, unmatched shopping, and vibrant nightlife all accessible with one of the world’s finest mass transit systems in a city ranked as the world’s safest in multiple surveys.

Points of interest for students include Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Dome, Ad Museum Tokyo, Japanese Diet, Shinjuku neon advertising, global advertising and public relations agency visits, Tokyo Disney Sea as well as leading Georgia-based corporations doing business in Japan.

Osaka, Japan

The program will also take students to two cities in the Kansai region, Japan’s cultural center and one of its most historically significant locations. Osaka, is known as Japan’s kitchen, featuring some of the nation’s best food, but is also a historic industrial center. It is the most populous city outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area, home to over 19 million residents in the metropolitan area. Osaka has much of what Tokyo has in terms of culture, but with a more relaxed pace and more economical offerings.

Points of interest for students include Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and Meiji Chocolate, among others.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital and was at one time the seat of the imperial court. Today, it is home to a large number of Buddhist temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. Kyoto offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s past with all the amenities and comforts of the present day.

Points of interest for students include Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto National Museum, and numerous temples.