2026 UPWARDS Japanese Exchange Summer Program

Interested students can register with the QR code attached. 

Title: Hiroshima University UPWARDS Summer Intensive Program 2026 - Peace and Semiconductor Innovation

Timelline: July 22 - August 2

Location: Hiroshima University (Higashi-Hiroshima Campus), Higashi-Hiroshima City, Japan

Tuition: $2500

Title: UPWARDS Summer Intensive Program at Nagoya University (2026 Program)

Timeline: July 27 - August 7

Location: Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan

Tuition: $3200

Title: Kyushu University Summer Internship

Timeline: July 28 - August 5

Location: Kyushu University Ito Campus, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

Tuition: $2800

Description:

This program offers a comprehensive curriculum in semiconductor engineering, beginning with an introduction to the field and progressing to applied courses that explore business, sustainability, and social applications of semiconductors. A key feature is the short-term research experience in laboratories, with specific topics provided upon recruitment, allowing participants to gain hands-on skills. The program also includes company tours in the Kyushu area, offering industry exposure. Graduates will develop foundational knowledge in semiconductor engineering and business, global and intercultural competencies, practical industry experience, and research application skills, equipping them for diverse roles in the semiconductor sector.

Title: Tohoku University Summer Program 2026

Timeline: July 29 - August 7

Location: Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan

Tuition: $3500

Description:

The curriculum offers a well-rounded blend of academic, practical, and cultural experiences over the course of the program. After arrival and orientation, participants take part in training sessions interspersed with campus events, industry and field tours, and cultural activities such as the Sendai Tanabata Festival. The program emphasizes exposure to various aspects of semiconductor engineering and industry. 

Participants gain foundational knowledge in technology and business, hands-on industry experience, and develop global, intercultural, and teamwork skills, providing a holistic foundation for future roles in the semiconductor sector.

This holistic approach is designed to prepare participants for diverse opportunities.

Title: UPWARDS Summer Internship 2026

Timeline: Late August - Early September (Estimated)

Location: Kumamoto(Koshi,shi), Yamanashi(Nirasaki-shi), Tokyo(Fuchu-shi) -- Tentative

Tuition: Free

Requirements:

• 3rd year undergraduate or 1st Year Master's
• Proficiency in Japanese
• Visa support not provided

Description:

Tokyo Electron, as part of the UPWARDS program for university students, offers several detailed internship tracks designed to provide hands-on experience with semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Participants interact with Tokyo Electron engineers, engage in practical exercises, and visit production facilities. The programs are as follows:

Program 1 (Software at Kumamoto & Fukuoka) includes a tour of semiconductor equipment sites, control and image processing software exercises, lectures and discussions on intelligent equipment, interaction with control engineers, and a tour of the AI center with networking opportunities with AI engineers.

Program 2 (Mecha/Electrical at Yamanashi) offers hands-on experience in hardware development for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. It includes CAD design tasks, machinery evaluation, and a 2-day safety training reflecting high safety standards.

Program 3 (Process at Yamanashi) provides practical experience in process engineering tasks such as dry etching, coating/developing, sample preparation and evaluation, wet cleaning experiments, and data analysis, all preceded by 2-day safety education.

Program 4 (Software at Fuchu) gives participants development experience of application software supporting field engineers who operate and maintain semiconductor manufacturing equipment in clean rooms.

Participants will learn to build foundational knowledge in semiconductor engineering and industry, global/inter-cultural skills, teamwork, communication, leadership, hands-on industry experience, and research application

Title: Summer Camp for Women

Timeline: August 5 - August 7

Location: Tokyo Electron Kyushu Ltd.  -- Tentative

Tuition: ~70,000 Japanese Yen

Requirements:

• Visa support not provided

Description:

This program, designed for female university students in the UPWARDS initiative, offers an immersive experience at the Tokyo Electron Kumamoto club. The curriculum includes a session about semiconductors, an engineer roundtable, a tour of the Tokyo Electron Kyushu factory, and team-building activities, all set in a supportive environment for networking and making new friends. Participants will gain foundational knowledge in semiconductor engineering and industry, as well as skills in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program also emphasizes global and intercultural competencies such as international mindset, teamwork, communication, and leadership. Some hands-on industry experience and research application skills may also be explored.