Students Gain Global Experience in Summer Study Abroad Program in Japan

This past summer, 56 RCCD students traveled to Tokyo, Japan, for a six-week, faculty-led study abroad program that combined classroom learning with cultural immersion and professional experience. Students from Moreno Valley College (MVC), Norco College, and Riverside City College enrolled in courses led by MVC psychology associate professor Sara Yerushalmian, Ph.D., and Norco College business administration associate professor Adam Martin, focusing on developmental psychology and entrepreneurship, respectively.

Yerushalmian co-led the program and guided MVC students through fieldwork designed to apply classroom theories in real-world settings. “I was responsible for teaching developmental psychology and leading students in active learning experiences that brought theories to life,” Yerushalmian said. “I also helped students adjust to a new cultural environment and organized activities with my colleague Adam Martin to ensure the program ran smoothly.”

Students explored Tokyo and nearby regions, including Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, and Mt. Fuji. Psychology students completed daily field assignments connecting course concepts to cultural practices. For instance, one student focused on the Kendama, a traditional wooden cup-and-ball toy. “Unlike some Western toys that emphasize instant gratification, Kendama rewards determination and gradual progress,” Yerushalmian said. “Students connected these observations to core developmental theories, showing how even small cultural practices can reflect values and human growth. Being in Tokyo allowed students to see how culture shapes development in real time.”

While students gained valuable insights from these cultural experiences, navigating daily life in Tokyo presented its own set of challenges. Izabella Alvarado, an MVC math major, described navigating Tokyo’s trains, adjusting to the climate, and interning at a Japanese company as transformative experiences. “This trip helped me realize I am strong, curious, and eager to continue learning about the world and embracing cultural differences,” she said.

The program also helped students develop skills essential for the modern workforce, including independence, resilience, collaboration, and cultural awareness.  Yerushalmian shared, “Global experience deepens both teaching and learning by challenging us to view familiar concepts from new perspectives.” Students return with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Jeff Rhyne, Ph.D., coordinator of international education at RCCD Study Abroad, shared the value of programs like this.

“Global learning and education abroad are essential in today's world. Programs like this one in Tokyo offer RCCD students opportunities to grow academically, personally, and professionally. Global learning can help our students become tomorrow's leaders, giving them the skills and motivation to succeed in diverse workplaces and the respect and empathy to foster international understanding and peace through interpersonal relationships.”

Due to strong demand, RCCD will offer the next study abroad program in Tokyo in Summer 2026, led by Tanya Brown, an associate professor of kinesiology at MVC. Students interested in participating can learn more by visiting the RCCD Study Abroad website.

Through this program, students gain more than academic credit and demonstrate that learning extends far beyond the classroom.