Ancient + Modern Japan
Unique Experiences
BE ENTRANCED BY THE ZEN ROCK GARDEN OF RYOANJI TEMPLE
Take in the contrast between the dazzling Golden Temple and the more serene Silver Temple; stroll the Philosopher’s Walk.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE “CULTURAL CAPITAL” OF JAPAN
Soak in Kyoto’s depth with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions dating back more than 1,200 years.
ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUINITY
Using skills gained through CIEE language and culture courses.
17
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES WITHIN KYOTO
1,200+
NUMBER OF YEARS KYOTO WAS JAPAN’S CAPITAL
30+
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Your Destination
Kyoto is located in the Kansai region in the western part of Honshu island – Japan’s largest island. The cities of Osaka, Kobe, and Nara – which are also must-visit destinations in Japan – are nearby and easily accessible by train. Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and was formally called “Heian-kyo,” which literally means, “The Capital of Peace.” While today Tokyo is the official capital of Japan, Kyoto is often called the country’s “cultural capital,” for its preservation of numerous cultural, religious, and artistic sites and traditions. Kyoto provides an ideal environment for students to immerse themselves in the Japanese language and culture.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Take a walk through the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, where emperors of old resided
- Shop for traditional Kyoto sweets, pickles, and other goodies at Nishiki Market
- Travel to the summit of Mt. Hiei to view all of Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and Enryakuji Temple
- Visit the nearby city of Nara, home of Nara deer park, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine
PROJECTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, OR INTERNSHIPS
CIEE Kyoto seeks to foster an urban community of learners that is respectful of its surroundings and proactively engages with individuals, community groups, and institutions. Orientation will include an introduction to the community resources and opportunities to give back. Cultural activities and co-curricular activities, such as volunteering, attendance in local events, and engagement with peers at local institutions will provide opportunities for students to strengthen their Japanese language and cultural proficiency, better understand Japanese social institutions, and help cultivate a positive and mutually respectful relationship between CIEE and its community partners.
Program Blogs
Travelogue Across Japan! <1>
みなさん、こんにちは！ソフィアと申します！Hello everyone! My name is Sofia, and I am a junior from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, studying abroad in CIEE Kyoto’s Ancient & Modern Japan Program! I’ve had the... keep reading
Kickin’ it in Kyoto
Hey all, my name is Ethan Adams. I’m a Junior at Hope College (Michigan) who embarked on an adventure abroad with CIEE’s Ancient and Modern Japan (AMJ) program. Now, two... keep reading
How to Study Japanese in Japan: 3 Easy Steps
If you’ve ever dreamed of ordering ramen like a pro, exploring ancient temples, or binge-watching anime without subtitles, studying Japanese in Japan is your next big adventure. With vibrant Tokyo... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From apartments within 20 minutes of the study center to homestays a train and/or bus ride away, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay within a 70-minute commute or a shared, twin room in an apartment or hotel located within 20 minutes of CIEE Kyoto. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
Select Housing: Includes a private single apartment or hotel located under 15 minutes from CIEE Kyoto. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a private single apartment located 2 minutes from CIEE Kyoto. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
MEALS
Residence Hall rooms are equipped with a single-burner range, microwave, and fridge kitchenette. Students can prepare simple in-house meals with basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore affordable restaurants in the immediate neighborhood or explore the city for a full range of cuisine and prices.
Homestays: Hosts provide two meals a day (breakfast & dinner) seven days per week.
Academics
The Ancient + Modern Japan program allows students to gain in-depth insight into the language and culture of Japan through coursework in English at CIEE Kyoto. Students take five courses per semester and incorporate visits to palaces, temples, museums, theaters, and more, into their academics.
CIEE Kyoto is conveniently located in the center of Kyoto with easy access to the city’s comprehensive train and bus networks. CIEE Kyoto serves as a home base for students and is a safe zone for them to learn, grow, communicate, and collaborate.
Course Information
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 15 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $21,450 |
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $15,456 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $21,450 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $2,250 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $3,375 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $525 † |
| International Airfare | $1,600 †† |
| Local Transportation | $200 |
| Books & Supplies | $200 |
| Personal expenses | $280 ††† |
| Other | $100 †††† |
| Total Costs | $2,905 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)
††††mandatory national insurance
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Conor Aherne
Center Director
Conor’s passion for Japan began 12 years ago when he studied abroad in Tokyo. He holds an MA in Japanese & Asian History from Saitama University and is a specialist in Kyoto history.
Izumi Wada
Senior Program Coordinator
Izumi was born in Kyoto and studied abroad in the US when she was in high school. She is passionate about helping students make their study abroad experience meaningful and fruitful (and baking bread on the weekend!).
Natsuki Kwapong
Student Life Coordinator
Natsuki previously managed in retail, has a loving family of two sons and, in her spare time, she likes to work out and watch Netflix. She looks forward to welcoming you all to Kyoto!
Get Started
1
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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