Freshman Global Lab: Japan
Japan, the world's fourth largest economy, provides the setting for this Freshman Global Lab in July. Freshman Global Lab: Japan gives students admitted directly to the Fisher College of Business the opportunity to earn 1.5 credits during two weeks in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The program includes visits to leaders of manufacturing, experts in logistics and an internationally renowned port to highlight BUSML 3380: Logistics Management curriculum in an applied setting. Accommodations are based in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Around every corner a new adventure awaits!
Locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Japan
Travel Dates: June 13 - June 27, 2026
Class Enrollment: Summer Session 3 (online + in-person)
Academic Credit: BUSML 3380 (1.5 credit hours)
Faculty: August (Mike) Knemeyer
Program Fee: $5,248 was the program fee in 2025. 2026 program fee is TBD.
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Information Sessions:
Participating in the FCOB Freshman Global Lab in Japan was an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes to the global side of business. From visiting companies like THK, JAS Forwarding, SAMCO, and Coca-Cola, I saw firsthand how logistics and supply chain strategies are uniquely tailored to drive innovation and efficiency across different industries. These visits helped bring classroom concepts to life in a way that was both inspiring and eye-opening. Beyond the business exposure, immersing myself in Japanese culture allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways I never anticipated. This experience taught me that a career in business can truly take you anywhere — often to places you might never expect. It reminded me to embrace the unknown, stay adaptable, and lean into the chaos that can come with new opportunities.
In order to be eligible to apply for this program, students must have a cumulative 2.75 GPA and meet OIA's General Eligibility Requirements and Conditions for Participation.
Applicants must:
- be enrolled as undergraduate student at Ohio State
- be a first-year student admitted directly to Fisher College of Business at the Columbus campus (at time of application) OR a business/pre-business student from the Marion, Newark, Lima, or Mansfield campus*
- complete or test out of Math 1075 by the application deadline of January 16, 2026
- Preference is for students to have completed ECON 2002.01: Principles of Macroeconomics and ECON 2001.01: Principles of Microeconomics before the dates of travel
- Instructor permission must be sought if only ECON 2001 or ECON 2002 are completed by the end of spring semester 2026. Preference is for ECON 2001: Principles of Microeconomics to be the course completed.
- have no student record actions of "Warning," "Probation" or "Probation by Special Action"
*This study abroad course is classified as a Columbus-campus class. Regional campus students need to have 30 credit hours after high school and a 2.0 GPA or above to qualify for campus change and be eligible to take this class. If regional campus students fulfill those requirements by the end of their first spring semester, they will be able to take this course in May 2026 (summer term).
All students will also be required to participate in on-campus pre-departure orientations organized by the Office of International Affairs.
- Read the program brochure.
- Attend an information session (see "Announcements" tab on the brochure for up to date times and links).
- Ask clarifying questions: Email the program manager for inquiries not covered in the information session (contact information is listed at the bottom of the page).
- Review the "Finance" tab on the program brochure.
- Apply for scholarships: If you have a declared major in Fisher, you will be eligible for the Fisher Global Grant. Admitted students will also be able to apply for an archive an additional scholarship from the Department of Marketing and Logistics.
- Clear your schedule: If you are accepted into this program, you must be able to attend the required course (see the "Academics" tab on the brochure for course information).
- If you're an international student, review the FAQ's about studying abroad as an international student.
- Apply for the program! As you sit down to access the application, make sure you have:
- Your passport number. If you have not received your passport, or have not yet applied for one, you may still complete the online application, but remember that you may not participate in a study abroad program without a valid passport. Passports are taking up to 18 weeks, so please make sure you have ample time to apply for or renew an expired passport.
- Your Ohio State advising report, saved as a PDF to attach to the application.
- Names and contact information of the individuals you would like contacted in case of an emergency.
- A $150 application fee is required for all education abroad program applications. Should you choose to start an application, you will be notified to pay the application fee when it has been assigned as a material due. This application fee will be refunded only if you are not accepted to your study abroad program, if your program is canceled or if you withdraw your application prior to the application deadline.