FYI - Japan Study Abroad Program (ENME 489Y) Summer 2026
ENST Students,
Occasionally throughout the semester we will post FYI announcements with information of general interest to engineering students, though not directly related to the course. Feel free to read or ignore these messages based on their content.
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ENME 489Y: JAPAN: ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
CLIMATE CHANGE, BULLET TRAINS & HYDROGEN FUEL CELL VEHICLES
Summer 2026 Study Abroad Course: May 25TH – June 10TH
Are you interested in Sustainability? Do you like to travel? If so, you should consider signing up for ENME 489Y: JAPAN – Advanced Transportation Systems – Climate Change, Bullet Trains and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles.
This exciting course, housed in the department of Mechanical Engineering, offers students a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the beautiful country of Japan which is well-renowned for its unique and historical culture, its delicious food and its incredible world leading transportation systems.
In this course students will learn about the most cutting-edge advanced transportation systems and technologies, as well as their potential to combat climate change, with a particular focus on bullet trains and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Some program highlights are below:
- Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by visiting historical temples, museums, interacting with local guides, as well as sampling / making some of Japan's most famous foods like sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki and many more
- Explore the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, as well as the historical capital city of Kyoto, to learn about the history, culture and technology of Japan through a variety of activities / field trips
- Learn about Japan's advanced transportation infrastructure through engaging academic lectures on sustainability / advanced transportation technologies, visits to technology museums, automotive manufacturing facilities, and many other activities
- Experience some of Japan's most breathtaking architectural / natural wonders and cultural experiences: Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and many more
The course can satisfy a number of academic requirements and can double count toward the UMD Sustainability Minor as a Science and Technology course. Please see the course flyer for more specific academic details and reach out to your advisor should you have any questions.
To learn more about these programs please see the attached flyers, visit the course website for the Japan program or email Professor Michael Galczynski at mgalczyn@umd.edu
Applications are due by February 17th 2026, so apply today!
