Tokyo University of the Arts will participate in the International Open Electives 2025 program hosted by the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, India! Our faculty members will conduct workshops and lectures on-site over a two-week period. We are now calling for students to participate in this program, engage with local students, and join the classes.

The theme for this year’s International Open Electives 2025 is “SHILP SANGAM — Rooted in Heritage, Shaping the Future.” This program brings together students, artisans, and designers from India and abroad for two weeks of hands-on learning and mutual exploration, delving into “making” beyond culture, materials, and techniques. Two faculty members from our university, specializing in ceramics and woodworking, will lead the classes. They plan to explore craft techniques and the potential for cross-disciplinary material use, starting from the process of how different materials like clay and wood meet.

We look forward to your applications!

【About Application】 

Two students will be dispatched from Tokyo University of the Arts for this program. On-site, they will collaborate with NID students and master craftspeople from across India. Through cultural and hands-on craft experiences, they will explore the multifaceted nature of “making” in both India and Japan. We welcome applications from students eager to get their hands involved, learn within a cross-cultural setting, and challenge themselves as part of an international creative community. Just as different materials meet, people interact, and new expressions emerge—this is the journey of these two weeks.

※Only currently enrolled students may apply (research students and those on leave of absence are ineligible). As the program will take place during the second semester, please consult with your academic advisor beforehand.

PROGRAM

Program Name: International Open Electives 2025 (Hosted by: National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad)

OE Theme: SHILP SANGAM — Rooted in Heritage, Shaping the Future

Workshop/Lecture: Crossing Clay and Wood: Experiments in Craft

Dates: January 5–16, 2026 (Including travel, estimated period: January 3–19)

Planned Number of Participants: 2 students

Language of Instruction: English

Location: National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad, India)

Accompanying Faculty: Mari Iwabuchi (Technical Instructor, Ceramics Laboratory, Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts), Naoko Hayashi (Teaching and Research Assistant, Woodworking Studio, Shared Workshop)

Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled at Tokyo University of the Arts (all majors/programs accepted; students on leave of absence and research students are ineligible)

Support from the University:

① Travel Expenses

Flights between Tokyo and Ahmedabad will be provided, with itineraries specified by the university. Seat assignments may incur additional fees; students wishing to make advance seat selections must cover these costs themselves.

② JASSO Scholarship

Students selected for the program may apply for this scholarship. Please note that eligibility criteria and a selection process apply; scholarship receipt is not guaranteed. Applicants must be Japanese nationals or individuals with permanent residency in Japan (including special permanent residents). We appreciate your understanding of these requirements.　

※All other expenses (accommodation, living costs, insurance, vaccinations, visa, etc.) must be covered and arranged by the applicant.

Application Method: Submit via the application form

Selection Method: Document screening is planned

Deadline: Monday, November 3

How to apply

Please fill out the form below to apply by the deadline.

https://forms.gle/J6zpG7d3bZE4v5S16

Deadline: Monday 3rd November, 2025