Information for term January in Kyoto
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenDive deeper into Japanese history and culture this January in Japan’s ancient capital! Kyoto is the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and is filled with palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theaters. Coursework is taught in English at CIEE Kyoto and is complemented by immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.
Unique Experiences
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BE ENTRANCED BY THE ZEN ROCK GARDEN OF RYOANJI TEMPLE
Contrast the dazzling Golden Temple and more serene Silver Temple; stroll the Philosopher’s Walk.
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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE “CULTURAL CAPITAL” OF JAPAN
With its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions dating back 1,200+ years, soak in Kyoto’s depth.
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INDULGE IN KYOTO’S FAMOUS “UJI” GREEN TEA
Either as a drink or green tea flavored pastries, ice cream, and other desserts.
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UNESCO World Heritage sites within Kyoto
17 -
Number of years Kyoto was Japan’s capital
1,200+ -
Number of minutes by train to reach nearby Osaka, Kobe, and Nara
30
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Kyoto is located in the Kansai region in the western part of Honshu 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.
The Culture

Excursions & Activities
Every CIEE program is complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions designed to enhance academic and intercultural learning. In Kyoto students may:
- Tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds where emperors of old resided, and two of the Imperial Villas at Katsura and Shugaku-in
- Take a walking tour of the Higashiyama District to experience traditional Kyoto
- Visit the Kyoto National Museum, first opened in 1897, one of Japan’s oldest and most distinguished
- Explore the amazing collection held by the Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Travel to the nearby former capital city of Nara, home of Nara deer park, the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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Housing
Students live in dormitory-style housing, located nearby classes.
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Meals
Meals are not included. Kyoto is well-known for its local cuisine. It is also an international tourist destination and students can easily find options to suit various dietary preferences and needs.
Kyoto, Japan Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Kyoto
Our home in Kyoto located at Shicata Avenir Building, 438-4 Sasaya-cho, Oike-sagaru, 200m walk to the nearest train and bus stations in Central Kyoto
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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
During January in Kyoto, students will have the opportunity to dive deeper into traditional Japanese culture and history and to learn more about Japan’s ancient capital Kyoto. Students will also be able to participate in a range of complementary co-curricular, personal, and professional development activities to help facilitate integration into the host community as active global learners.
CIEE Kyoto is conveniently located in the city of Kyoto with easy access to the city’s comprehensive train and bus networks. CIEE Kyoto is the home base for students and 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 take one 3-credit course.
Program Credit
Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE course: 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 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 by interacting with local students and communities. Classes will be scheduled Monday through Friday with possible weekend excursions or volunteer work. The course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students play an active role in their own education and take part in group projects. Interaction with fellow students and professors is expected.
Class Format
Courses taught at CIEE Kyoto are exclusive to CIEE students. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and are held in Kyoto. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required 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
Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including exams, quizzes, research papers, individual and group oral presentations or projects, and participation. A 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
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
January 2024 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenHistory, Philosophy, Religion
Visual and Performing Arts
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.
Dates & 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 |
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January 2024 | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 2, 2024 | Jan 24, 2024 |
$3,950
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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 = $2,310 ** Housing = $1,260 Insurance = $80 Total Fees = $3,950Estimated 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 = $384 International Airfare = $1,600 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $150 Total Estimated Costs = $2,334Financial 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 |
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.
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! -
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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. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.