From left to right: alumna Katelyn Hoidal (’25), senior Brantley Holladay, Eliot Cox (’25) alumnus and former Graphic Special Edition Editor, alumna Emma Lake (’25) and alumnus Brent Long (’25) smile on their way to Nara in May 2024. Nara was just one of the historical sites students visited during the Japan summer program. Photos courtesy of Brantley Holladay
Beginning in fall 2026, Pepperdine International Programs (IP) will host an academic year program in Kyoto, Japan, according to Pepperdine’s IP website.
In its first year, the program will be semester-based, meaning that students can either apply to the fall 2026 semester or the spring 2027 semester, according to Pepperdine’s IP website. Pepperdine will partner with a local Japanese institution for both residential and classroom options.
“The goal of the inaugural year of the program is a successful first year,” Charlie Engelmann, senior director of International Programs said. “Success is defined by the student experience and whether students are able to learn, grow and come away with a deeper understanding of Japan, themselves and a closer relationship with God.”
Engelmann said this new program is an expansion of the current summer program and there is a smart plan in place to help develop the program.
“This program has basically been in the works since the University decided to close the Shanghai program in 2021.” Engelmann said. “There was immediate discussion that when the time is right and the process warranted it we would transition to another program in Asia. The summer program was part of the process of building a presence in Japan, and has been connected to this residential program.”
Senior Brantley Holladay said she participated in the Japan summer program in 2024.
“I had an amazing experience in the Japan summer abroad program,” Holladay said. “I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Japanese culture through visiting historical sites in Kyoto, eating delicious food, discussing Shintoism in my religion class and taking walking tours around the city.”
Senior Brantley Holladay and junior Jillian George at the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan in May 2024. Visiting historical landmarks such as this temple was a highlight of Holladay’s experience.
Holladay said her experience in Japan positively shaped her and that the group of students she was with were all welcoming.
“My study abroad experience in Japan helped grow my global perspective and my open mindedness,” Holladay said. “Japan is a vastly different culture that I am used to, and I was so honored to be able to experience their beautiful culture, history, cuisine and cities during my month there with Pepperdine IP.”
Engelmann said he has already heard about an immense amount of interest in the Kyoto program.
“I definitely foresee it being a popular option as Japan is such a beautiful place and different from the European study abroad programs,” first-year Amelie Lopez said. “I have already heard many of my classmates are interested in the program and how they’re looking forward to applying for the program.”
Lopez said she is interested in participating in the summer program and learning more about the academic year option. She has always wanted to visit Japan and thinks it would be a great opportunity.
“I think it’s important that Pepperdine has an International Program in Asia because it’s creating a diversity of programs that are being offered to students,” Lopez said. “I know many students have wanted a program in Asia, therefore this new Kyoto program is an amazing opportunity for students.”
Senior Brantley Holladay and alumna Morgan Purdy (’24) wear their Sumo shirts in Japan in May 2024. Sumo was one of the activities for summer program students to experience, along with other cultural experiences such as partaking in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Holladay said this program will be beneficial for Pepperdine students because Japan has so many unique things to offer.
“I hope that this is a program where students really experience growth,” Holladay said. “I hope that after their time in Japan, students return with a more open mind, with more empathy, with more critical thinking skills and with a higher desire to travel around the world to learn more about the people we share this earth with.”
Engelmann said during the first year, Kyoto will have about 30 students per semester.
“We’re not sure what the visa situation will be like, so that’s one reason for a semester,” Engelmann said. “Second, we will be repeating the same classes each semester.”
Engelmann, who was also the Shanghai program director, said that IP has a very European-centered variety of program options.
“We talk about being a global university and having a global education and we have been able to access parts of the world with our summer programs to help achieve that presence,” Engelmann said. “To now be able to have that year-long presence in a continent like Asia will help students to have more perspective to contribute to greater in depth conversations.”
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Contact Alicia Dofelmier via email: alicia.dofelmier@pepperdine.edu
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