Manga, a term that represents a style and tradition of comics and cartooning developed in Japan during the late 19th century, has spread in global popularity the last few decades. As the artform increases its profile and influence on popular culture comics, animation, film, and art academics, many Illustrators and academics are becoming interested in learning the craft, and unique aspects of the artform. What better way of exploring the culture of manga and it’s many intricacies than traveling to its birthplace, Japan, and interfacing with an institution that specializes in teaching the craft?
Course Dates: Jun 3, 2024 — Jun 24, 2024
2.5 GPA required. Non-RISD participants see eligibility requirements below.
Kyoto Seika
Included tuition, accommodation, in-country transportation, field trips, entrance fees, some supplies, some group meals and international travel health insurance.
This course will take place on the campus of Kyoto Seika University, a partner institution of RISD with a full-fledged Manga, Anime, and Illustration undergraduate and graduate program, led Kyoto Seika faculty and RISD faculty members, multi-disciplined artist Eric Telfort (Associate professor, Illustration), and graphic novelist Cat Huang (term appointment, Illustration). Participants will engage in a 3 week intensive cultural exchange experience where they will work alongside student peers at Kyoto Seika, learn traditional Japanese illustration techniques, research the range of manga genres, and meet with leading professionals from the Japanese publishing world. Museums, historical landmarks, and location scouting will provide further cultural context as students develop an appreciation for the influences of manga. While on campus students will develop a 4-page manga, as part of an anthology of short stories by students from RISD and Kyoto Seika, to be printed at a later date. In addition to group critiques, feedback will be provided by RISD and Kyoto Seika faculty, as well as invited professionals from the local publishing community.
As RISD students prepare for the fall semester, a number of them are bringing new perspectives into their practices gained through RISD Global summer courses spanning Asia and Europe. As RISD Global Director Sarah Croft explains, “We advocate for global learning opportunities that reflect the school’s commitment to edification through an international lens. Each course provides exposure to diverse cultural milieus and ways of making as well as interactions with artists and designers in various regions of the world.”
If your current cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above, you are eligible for registration. If your current cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, you must first contact the Registrar at registrar@risd.edu to seek exception to this academic policy.
If you are a college student currently enrolled in another art/design college or institution around the world, or a professional practicing in the field, you are eligible for registration. We will collect a recommendation/support form from your institution/workplace.
In order to register for RISD Global summer studies, you are expected to have a high level of English (speech, writing, and comprehension) as all coursework and critique is delivered in English.
Global Summer Studies are three weeks long and take place in June/July, and you are required to attend all program activities scheduled during the travel course. RISD Global Summer Studies comply with RISD class attendance policy. In case of unexcused or multiple absences, you may be removed from the course, given a grade of “W" (withdrawal) or a grade of “F” (fail).
Requesting to withdraw from a RISD off-campus global learning program, including RISD Global Summer Studies, prior to the start of the course is highly discouraged and requires a formal process outlined in the RISD course withdrawal policy. It is not possible for a student to drop a RISD Global Summer Studies travel course via the standard Add/Drop process after it has commenced. In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances (and only after students have spoken with the faculty lead and RISD Global for approval to withdraw from the program), students should be aware that no refund will be issued.
In order to reserve a seat, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of application submittal. Students who apply between February 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024, will have until March 1, 2024, to submit full payment. Student who apply between March 2, 2024, and the application deadline, March 15, 2024, will make full payment within 24 hours of the application being submitted. Students that fail to make full payment by their deadline will forfeit their $500 deposit and their seat in the course.
All RISD students enrolled in RISD and other full degree schools/universities are required to remain in good academic standing in order to participate in Global Summer Studies. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for all RISD students. Failure to remain in good academic standing can lead to removal from the course, either before or during the course.
In cases where summer travel courses and studios do not reach full capacity, the course may be canceled after the last day of registration. As such, all students are advised not to purchase flights for participation in Global Summer Studies courses until the course is confirmed.
The scholarship application for Global Summer Studies will open on December 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM and close on January 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM. The Global Summer Studies course application will open on February 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM and close on March 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
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Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.
Schedule an AppointmentNo upcoming events for this program at this time.