CLEVELAND, Miss. — Ten Delta State University students gained firsthand experience with international business and Japanese culture during a semester-long study abroad program that included a 12-day trip to Japan.
The Business Abroad Japan 2026 program combined a three-credit-hour spring course at Delta State with travel to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo from May 16-28.
Students from business, nursing, education, health care administration and the sciences participated in business presentations, museum and historical site visits, field trips and cultural experiences.
Before traveling, students studied Japan’s history, culture, politics and economy in the context of international business. The coursework included readings, documentaries, films, research presentations, reflective writing and cultural competency assessments.
Students also completed preparation on travel documentation, health and safety, budgeting, cross-cultural communication and cultural adaptation.
Assistant Professor of Management April Mondy developed and led the program with Delta State’s International Education and Continuing Education offices. Mondy drew on her own 2024 study abroad experience in Japan through the University of South Alabama, where she earned her doctorate.
“The Business Abroad Japan 2026 program was such a great opportunity for our students,” Mondy said. “While there, they demonstrated a remarkable willingness to step out of their comfort zone to embrace a new culture and adapt.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Leslie Griffin said the program reflects Delta State’s efforts to expand access to international study.
The Office of Academic Affairs provided financial support for the program through its budget, allowing the university to plan for students interested in studying abroad.
Keirra Birch, a nursing major from Cleveland, said the experience strengthened her confidence and independence.
“Traveling internationally challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and trust my ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations,” Birch said.
Taylor Kent, a nursing major from Cleveland, said the experience gave him an opportunity to apply cultural awareness and communication skills relevant to his future career in nursing.
“Communication was a challenge, but I needed that challenge, and I believe my patient assessment skills have benefited from that experience,” Kent said.
Other student participants included Chassity Dotson, a nursing major from Clarksdale; Julia Maciak, an international business and marketing major from Warsaw, Poland; Cooper Mercier, a biology premedical science major from Biloxi; and Iyana Norris, a management major from Cleveland.
Four participants have since graduated: Cristina Aguilar of Cleveland, who studied elementary education; Daisy Aguilar of Horn Lake, who studied health care administration; Katelyn Lusk of Shaw, who studied general business; and Ellie Welsh of Cleveland, who studied finance.
Delta State staff member Haley Turner also participated.
Maciak said the trip gave her an opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
“All the activities we did were useful and focused on Japan, which helped me increase my knowledge about this beautiful country,” Maciak said.
Mondy said students returned with greater confidence and a broader understanding of other cultures.
“Studying abroad is such a profound, life-changing experience that changes how students see the world and who they want to be in it,” she said.
Students received scholarship support from Delta State’s Office of Academic Affairs and the Delta State University Alumni Foundation, while also contributing their own funds.
Suzette Matthews, executive director of the Delta State Foundation and vice president of University Advancement, said scholarship support can help reduce financial barriers to study abroad opportunities.
Delta State partnered with WorldStrides, an educational travel company, to coordinate the in-country portion of the program, including lodging, transportation, tours, academic visits and local support.
The program was designed to give students experience communicating and working across cultures as businesses and organizations become increasingly interconnected globally.
