Sustainable Development of Cities and Communities: Thriving Locally in a Global Age
The University of Niigata Prefecture (UNP) is pleased to invite Saint Mary’s students to the International Joint Summer Seminar 2026 entitled Sustainable Development of Cities and Communities: Thriving Locally in a Global Age to be held in collaboration with the local municipalities of Niigata Prefecture on August 5-8, 2026.
This is a non-credit program. SMU students can receive recognition through Co-Curricular Records instead of academic credits. All participants will receive certificate of participation after their completion of the summer seminar program.
The program is an excellent opportunity to get to know Niigata prefecture. Niigata city (population of over 1mill) is the capital of Niigata Prefecture and is the largest metropolitan area on the Sea of Japan coast. Niigata prefecture is the 5th largest prefecture of Japan. Niigata has a beautiful landscape of rice fields and thus is a major producer of top-quality sake and miso. Niigata is easily accessible by bullet train. It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo. See here.
Language:
Knowledge of Japanese language is not required.
Cost:
Accommodation in Niigata as well as transportation in Niigata during the program will be covered by the host university. Students are additionally responsible for meals, airfare, insurance, local transportation, and daily expenses. A $100 SMU Study abroad admin fee will be charged on banner.
Canadian passport holders typically do not need a visa to enter Japan for a short-term program. If a visa is necessary (depending on your citizenship), consider costs of applying for a visa. It may be necessary to travel to Montreal to visit the Consulate General of Japan in Montreal and apply in person. Please see the Immigration section below.
Funding:
Limited funding ($500 on average) may be available. Students who are accepted to the program will be invited to request funding.
Immigration:
Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a short-term visa before entering Japan, while visas are waived for others. Normally, Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Questions related to immigration should be directed to the Consulate General of Japan in Montreal at https://www.montreal.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/consular/visa_menu_en.html.
Number of SMU students accepted:
5
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by April 15 2026 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
1. fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
2. write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre once you have a draft https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
3. print (in pdf) your unofficial transcript from banner
4. prepare your resume, and
5. secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Inquiries can be sent to Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university in May. Once the host university accepts you into the program, they will provide all program-related information. You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings. You will arrange your own international travel.
For more information, see the program flyer.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office (Global@smu.ca or Miyuki.arai@smu.ca).
