"[BSJ] - truly a transformative experience that gets unraveled over a long period of time."

- Dorian Rolston, Princeton University, Fall 2009 Participant

"...I thought this program was an amazing experience. I learned so much, went to so many places, and met many people that I would never have otherwise encountered."
- Jennifer Li, Amherst College, Fall 2007 Participant

"In a second I would tell others to go on this program. I've learned more than I could have in the typical study abroad experience, and I wouldn't trade any of my experiences here for anything."
- Jiná Ashline, Vassar College, Fall 2006 Participant

"The opportunity to experience Japan and Buddhism like this is rare and should be embraced by students of Japan or religion."
- Megan Gibbs, University of Oregon, Fall 2006 Participant

"If someone has a general interest in Buddhism and/or Japanese, this is the program for them!!! Never could I understand this subject without the firsthand experience I received."
- Derek Souza, St. Michael's College, Fall 2007 Participant

"It is an intensive and excellent study of Japanese Buddhism and culture."
- Richard Kane, Harvard University, Fall 2007 Participant

"It is very challenging in every way - mentally, physically, and spiritually. Getting up at 5 a.m. everyday is not easy! The schedule is demanding and tests your perseverance."
- Monique Couture, Green Mountain College, Fall 2007 Participant

"I have learned more in three months than I have learned in other class settings in the past four years."
- Eric Waite, Iowa State University, Fall 2007 Participant

"It is an excellent opportunity to experience so many different aspects of Buddhism and culture that would otherwise be difficult to find."
- Charles Goodall, University of Rochester, Fall 2007 Participant

"If you are interested in Japanese Buddhism, this program provides an amazing opportunity to explore it from both academic and practical aspects. The program also provides enough freedom to allow students to explore and grow both as students and as people."
- Natasha Mikles, College of William and Mary, Fall 2006 Participant

"While this program is not for everyone, it offers a unique learning and cultural perspective that may help one better understand some things about their own life, which would not be possible from within their own country."
- Jeff Gyula, Vassar College, Fall 2006 Participant

"I have been really successful so far in my new career, and a lot of my mentality and approach to the dynamic interaction with consumers I face on a daily basis have been profoundly influenced by this trip. Our daily meditation techniques as well as the compassionate interactions with other sentient beings influenced greatly my ability to listen to clients and consider their positions in hopes that we can work successfully together to find a common goal. It makes all the difference in the world when in business you for one moment stop, take a slow breath inside, and while concentrating on letting the air travel through you, let the moment be what it is and then resume...This idea is just one tiny lesson of our trip."
- Ryan Tracy, Florida Atlantic University, Fall 2006 Participant