佩珀代因大学 has announced plans to launch its newest academic program in Kyoto, Japan, for the 2026–27 academic year. This marks a bold step forward in its mission to develop globally minded leaders through immersive, purpose-driven education.

西弗学院日本展望项目的学生

Currently, 西维尔大学’s 日本展望计划 offers students a four-week summer program split between Kyoto and Tokyo that integrates travel, classroom learning, curated excursions, and purposeful social engagement. Based on its success, Pepperdine will expand to a semester-based residential program for one year, with the potential to grow into a full academic-year opportunity for 西维尔大学 students in subsequent years.

“This exciting new opportunity in Japan reflects the University’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, Christian values, and equipping students to lead lives of purposeful leadership around the globe,” says president Jim Gash (JD ’93). "Pepperdine's international programs are not just opportunities for study. They are gateways to cultural understanding, collaboration, and lifelong connections. I look forward to the transformative experiences that lie ahead for our students in Kyoto and the ways they will carry those lessons into communities around the world.”

Set to welcome its first cohort of students in fall 2026, the Kyoto program joins the University’s network of international sites as part of Pepperdine’s 国际项目, which is currently ranked #11 in the nation by 《美国新闻与世界报道》 and #1 among doctoral universities by 打开大门 for its 95 percent undergraduate study abroad participation rate.

日本京都，清水寺的学生们在Otowa瀑布前

“In Kyoto our students will experience a living classroom and be immersed in the traditions, innovations, and beauty of Japan while engaging with world-class faculty and global peers,” says provost Jay Brewster. “These encounters will inspire perspectives that can only come from stepping beyond one’s own borders and shape students’ personal, professional, and spiritual journeys for years to come."

The Kyoto program will offer students a uniquely immersive academic experience in one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich cities. The program plans to host 30 semester-only students in fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027 under the leadership of a full-time Pepperdine program director, who will oversee the program from Japan and work with University partners to ensure that the program meets Pepperdine's standards and mission. A faculty-in-residence will also be appointed to support academic continuity prior to the arrival of the students. The University is working with a trusted international education partner to secure high-quality residential and classroom facilities, which will be announced in late fall 2025.

Following this trial period, the University will consider the development of a long-term campus-based program in Kyoto.

“The Kyoto program represents a remarkable addition to Pepperdine’s tradition of transformative global learning,” says Ron Cox (MDiv ’96), dean of 国际项目. “Our students will be inspired by centuries of culture and innovation, challenged to see the world through new perspectives, and empowered to carry those lessons into lives of purpose and leadership.”

The program’s curriculum will align with 西维尔大学’s core academic requirements, with an emphasis on humanities, religion, social science, and language. All courses will be approved by 西维尔大学’s academic divisions and taught by expert faculty to maintain the rigorous academic standards for which the University is known. As with all Pepperdine international programs, Kyoto will offer students opportunities for co-curricular learning, cultural engagement, and community-based service under the guidance of a Pepperdine-led team.

More information about Pepperdine’s Kyoto academic program, including course offerings and housing details, will be available in fall 2025.

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特写图片：摄影师Dane Malzahn提供

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