Three Campuses, Three Continents, Three World Heritage Cities: Temple University Continues to Expand Its Global Footprint

For over four decades, Temple University Japan (TUJ) has been at the forefront of providing top-tier American education in Tokyo. Now, as TUJ enters its fifth decade, it is poised to extend its reach even further with the inauguration of a new satellite campus in the historic city of Kyoto, a city with one of the world's largest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This expansion marks a significant milestone in TUJ's commitment to offering global education opportunities, enriching the academic journey of students from around the world.

Scheduled to commence operations in January 2025, TUJ Kyoto represents an unparalleled opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Kansai region of Japan. Situated amidst the captivating landscape of Kyoto, students will find themselves in the heart of Japan's imperial capital, where tradition meets modernity. The campus's proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine provides an inspiring backdrop for academic exploration, fostering a promising environment for cultural exchange and personal growth.

At TUJ Kyoto, students can expect the same high-quality education and multicultural environment that TUJ is renowned for. With courses taught entirely in English by expert faculty from around the globe, students have the unique opportunity to pursue an American degree while immersing themselves in the richness of Japanese culture. From first-year writing to specialized courses in Asian studies and tourism, TUJ Kyoto offers a diverse range of academic programs catering to various student interests.

Beyond the classroom, TUJ Kyoto aims to cultivate a vibrant student life through community engagement and cultural immersion. From national award-winning internship programs to exploring Kyoto's historic districts, students are encouraged to embrace the wide range of opportunities available both on and off campus. Limited university-sponsored housing ensures comfortable accommodations, while Kyoto's central location facilitates easy exploration of neighboring cities such as Osaka and Nara.

What sets Kyoto apart is its unique blend of modernity and tradition. Named the "Best Big City in the World," Kyoto captivates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and unwavering commitment to preserving Japanese heritage with its 17 World Heritage Sites.

In the words of Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, TUJ's expansion into Kyoto exemplifies the university's dedication to providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and learning, building upon the international learning opportunities already being offered in Philadelphia, Tokyo, and Rome.

Moreover, Temple University's reach extends even further with its Temple Rome campus, which is undergoing a significant transformation. In September 2024, Temple Rome will relocate to a new, central location at Piazza di Spagna, one of Rome's most notable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The relocation provides students with enhanced opportunities for academic exploration and cultural immersion, placing them in the center of the Eternal City, just steps away from historic landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Renovation efforts are underway to create state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, art studios, a science lab, a conference center, and a library, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

As Temple University expands its presence across three continents, it not only enriches the academic experiences of its students but also celebrates and promotes cultural heritage. As both a valued GPA and SDG #10 sponsor, Temple University has many similar goals and ideals that revolve around boosting opportunities to promote world heritage for young Philadelphians. With Temple's two off-site campuses integrated with World Heritage sites, GPA sees a valuable opportunity to engage young people in the stories of world heritage and foster their interest in global cultures. 

Emilia Zankina, a Global Philadelphia Association board member and dean of Temple Rome, emphasized the importance of Temple's commitment to promoting cultural heritage and expanding educational opportunities. "Temple Rome is one of the longest-standing American programs in Italy with a history of close to 60 years,” said Zankina in a recent Temple publication. “We are thrilled to start this new chapter of Temple Rome as we build on our long history and strong foundation and expand our programming serving an ever larger and more diverse group of students from a wider breadth of disciplines, as well as growing our programs for young learners, adult learners and engagement with the community.”

Indeed, Temple University's expansion to Kyoto and the transformation of Temple Rome underscore its dedication to excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange on a global scale. As the university continues to elevate its presence on the global education stage, these developments herald a new chapter in Temple's legacy of academic excellence and international engagement.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/kyoto and https://news.temple.edu/news/2024-03-05/temple-rome-move-new-historical-location.