Program Overview
Program Overview
Old and new, ancient and ultramodern: Japan is a country of compelling contrasts.
With CIEE Gap Year Abroad in Japan you’ll discover this fascinating country for yourself. Order hand-rolled sushi and sashimi from your favorite local shokudo (dining hall). Spend the afternoon practicing your Japanese with friends while wandering the beautiful campus of Sophia University. Explore Tokyo’s history at the Edo Tokyo Museum during a CIEE-sponsored excursion.
Through intensive language courses at the Intercultural Institute of Japan, a culture class led by CIEE staff, and a supportive environment provided by a caring host family, you’ll immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Gain independence, improve your second language proficiency, and build life skills that will serve you in college and beyond with CIEE Gap Year Abroad.
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Academic Program
You’ve never studied language like this before.
At the Intercultural Institute of Japan, or “Intercult,” you’ll enroll in 20 hours per week of Japanese language courses that cover basics of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Whether you’re an accomplished Japanese speaker, or just a beginner, small classes and individualized instruction accommodate the needs of students of all levels.
You’ll also take culture courses at the CIEE Study Center located on the beautiful campus of Sophia University. In Japanese and English you’ll explore Japanese society and culture and partake in cultural activities, including making nunozori (Japanese sandals) and folding origami, which will give you insight into the country and its people.
Volunteer Opportunities
Give back to, and make a difference in, your host community.
Volunteering is an essential component of a gap year abroad, and a fantastic way to build fluency, and insight into Japanese society and culture.
You could choose to support English classes at a local school, assist at a public health organization, or work in a youth shelter.
Cultural Immersion
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in another culture than by living with a local family. Not only will your host family provide you with daily meals and a place to stay, they’ll help you develop your Japanese language skills, introduce you to local customs, and offer support and guidance in an unfamiliar environment.
Our host families are as diverse as our gap year abroad students. Whomever you’re placed with, all host families are carefully screened and matched with you based on personality profiles and common interests. Through your host family, you’ll build a home away from home and develop relationships that endure long after you’ve finished your Gap Year Abroad program.
Program Excursions
Program Excursions
During your gap year abroad you’ll have time to discover your host country both with CIEE during sponsored trips and excursions and through your own personal explorations. You’ll visit sites of historical and religious significance, including Big Buddha in Kamkura, as well as sites popular with modern Tokyoites, including the gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen. You’ll also take an overnight trip to a location outside of Tokyo, such as Kyoto, Nagasaki, or the mountains of central Japan.
Want to play sports or get involved with activities that will have you interacting with local and international students? Clubs are very popular in Japan and most students participate in sports so you’ll be in good company. Our staff will connect you with local organizations and teams.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
We want to make sure you get the most out of your gap year abroad experience with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.
- Transportation to and from local Japanese airport
- Language classes at the Intercultural Institute of Japan
- Volunteer opportunities
- CIEE-sponsored trips and excursions
- Room and board with a host family
- Supervision and support by a student services manager
- Orientations prior to leaving the U.S. and upon arrival in Japan
- International medical insurance through iNext and 24-hour worldwide travel assistance and support services
Application Due
Start Date
End Date
Cost
Fall (3 months)
June 15, 2014
Early October
December
$12,975
Fall - Winter (6 months)
April 15, 2014
Early October
March
$20,245
Fall - Winter - Spring (9 months)
April 15, 2014
Early October
June
$27,245
Spring (3 months)
September 15, 2014
Early January
March
$12,975
Spring (6 months)
August 1, 2014
Early January
June
$20,245
*Prices are subject to change and will be locked in for the participant on the day CIEE receives the completed application and program deposit.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Students must be a high school graduate in good academic standing
- No previous language experience required
- Students must demonstrate, through the application and interview process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture
CIEE Support
CIEE Support
The CIEE Study Center in Tokyo is responsible for the supervision and support of CIEE participants throughout the duration of their stay. The Gap Year Abroad program coordinator at the Study Center will remain in regular contact throughout the semester/academic year in order to check in on your language progress and to make sure that the homestay and volunteer placements are going well. The office selects, screens, and interviews all host families and will place students with a family that best matches their student profile.
CIEE Orientation
CIEE Orientation
All CIEE Gap Year Abroad participants take part in an online orientation prior to their departure. In addition to providing logistical information, the orientation helps students set realistic expectations and goals. It also affords students and parents the opportunity to ask questions of CIEE Study Center staff.
An in-country orientation takes place upon your arrival in Japan. The goal of the orientation is to help introduce you to your new city, country, host family, and classmates. The academic program will be reviewed, health and safety tips will be covered, and faculty and staff will offer advice on adjusting to a new language and culture. You will be met at the airport upon arrival by CIEE Tokyo Study Center staff who will also assist in the final transfer to the host family.
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