Inspiration in Niigata: Montserrat’s Japan Travel Program

The world is an open studio, and this summer, a group of Montserrat College of Art students found their inspiration across the globe. Our students recently returned from an unforgettable four-week intensive study travel program in Niigata, Japan!

Running from mid-May through mid-June, this immersive program offered our student-artists a profound look into both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Based at the Niigata College of Art & Design on the beautiful coast of Japan’s Niigata prefecture, students earned six college credits while dividing their time between intensive studio art courses, liberal arts studies, and excursions to cultural hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. From exploring serene ancient temples and gardens to diving headfirst into the worlds of Manga and Anime, it was a trip filled with endless creative fuel.

But as any traveler knows, the most lasting memories often come from the connections made along the way. Near the end of their stay, our students were treated to a beautiful cross-cultural send-off hosted by our friends at AIR (International Foreign Language, Tourism & Airline College) in Niigata, who recently shared a heartwarming recap of the day on their own blog!

Montserrat students gathered with AIR’s first-year English Career Course students for a special cultural exchange event: a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Set in a quiet, traditional, and meditative space, the ceremony allowed students to experience the meticulous and peaceful art of preparing and serving matcha. The local Japanese students from AIR stepped up to translate and gently guide our Montserrat artists through the ritual, explaining the history of the tea and the meaning behind the accompanying traditional Japanese sweets.

While the atmosphere was deeply respectful, it wasn’t without plenty of laughter! To fully immerse themselves in the tradition, the Montserrat students learned to sit in seiza—the traditional Japanese kneeling posture where one sits on their heels with the tops of the feet flat on the floor.

As anyone who hasn’t grown up practicing seiza knows, holding the position for more than a few minutes is an athletic feat for your legs and feet! The AIR hosts noted that seeing the Montserrat students enthusiastically tackle the challenge brought a wave of smiles and shared laughter to the room, instantly breaking down any remaining language or cultural barriers.

Art and Connection Beyond Words

Following the tea ceremony, the students snapped group photos, shared meals, and explored more of Niigata together. The AIR staff beautifully summed up the day, writing: “It was a wonderful day where we were able to deepen our exchange and connections, transcending differences in language and culture. Thank you, Montserrat College of Art!”

We have no doubt that the memories made this summer—whether capturing the landscape of Niigata, sketching in the bustling streets of Tokyo, or laughing through a tea ceremony—will inspire our students’ artwork for years to come.

Welcome back, travelers! We can’t wait to see the incredible art that comes out of this journey.

Interested in expanding your creative horizons and studying abroad? Check out our Travel Programs page to see where Montserrat can take you next!