Information for term Ancient + Modern Japan
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenExplore the dynamics of the Japanese language and culture in one of the most famous historical cities in the world. As the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto remains the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture. Students will study the Japanese language and select courses in English at CIEE Kyoto on Japanese history, religion, media, and more. All classes are delivered by CIEE and complemented by co-curricular activities and excursions in and beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
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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.
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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.
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ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUINITY
Using skills gained through CIEE language and culture courses.
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UNESCO World Heritage sites within Kyoto
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Number of years Kyoto was Japan’s capital
1,200+ -
Colleges and Universities
30+
Location & Culture
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The 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.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Kyoto.
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
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Daily Life
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Housing
Dormitory housing is conveniently located near class location in central Kyoto. Homestay options may also be available.
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Meals
Meals are not included. Kyoto is well-known for its local cuisine, with numerous eateries within walking distance. It’s also an international tourist destination and students can easily find options suiting various dietary preferences and needs.
Kyoto, Japan Where You'll Study
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CIEE Kyoto
Located at Shicata Avenir Building, 438-4 Sasaya-cho, Oike-sagaru, 200m walk to the intersection of Kyoto’s two subway lines, which will transport you to Kyoto Station and other local destinations.
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KYOTO TRAIN STATION
Kyoto is home to Japan's second-largest station building, housing a shopping mall, hotel, and movie theater.
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EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS IN & AROUND KYOTO
Explore the amazing mix of temples, shrines, gardens, and other sites including Nishiki Market - dubbed 'Kyoto's pantry' by locals
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Students select 5 CIEE elective courses.
Program Credit
Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
Courses are designed and delivered by CIEE and adhere to standards and expectations consistent among U.S. higher education institutions. Students have ample opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through interacting with local students and communities. Classes will be scheduled Monday through Friday with possible weekend volunteer work and excursions. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students will play an active role in their own education; group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors are expected. The grading system is comprised of classroom participation, projects, oral and written presentations, research, and essays.
Class Format
Courses taught at CIEE Kyoto are typically exclusive for CIEE students, with attendance by students from partner Shiga University when appropriate. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two or three times per week, with the rare once-a-week seminar, and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required for co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
Elective courses: Students are graded on exams, homework, research projects and presentations, participation, and attendance. Instructors may assign exams, quizzes, research papers, and individual and group oral presentations or projects. Language classes: Student are assessed based on daily homework and quizzes, written and oral unit tests, and written and oral midterm and final exams. U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English and Japanese
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Program Credit
Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
Languages of Instruction
English and Japanese
Requirements
Students select 5 CIEE elective courses, which may include Japanese Language courses.
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 |
$21,950
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $16,453 ** Housing = $5,000 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $21,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $3,000 † International Airfare = $1,600 †† Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $200 Personal expenses = $3,500 Other = $250 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $8,750Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † for students placed in dormitories; students placed in homestays should buget $1,500.00 for lunches †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† mandatory national insurance AND Covid test required for return to the US |
| Academic year 2023-2024 36 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2023 | May 11, 2024 |
$42,800
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $31,803 ** Housing = $10,500 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $42,800Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $3,000 † International Airfare = $1,600 †† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $400 Personal expenses = $3,500 Other = $350 ††† Expenses during break = $2,500 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $11,750Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † for students placed in dormitories; students placed in homestays should buget $1,500.00 for lunches †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† mandatory national insurance †††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break |
| Spring 2024 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 25, 2024 | May 11, 2024 |
$20,850
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,856 ** Housing = $5,500 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $20,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,920 International Airfare = $1,600 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $200 Personal expenses = $280 †† Other = $100 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,300Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Sim requires one-time fee of $25 ††† mandatory national insurance |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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