Information for term Open Campus Block
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenStudy abroad in Kyoto – one of Japan’s most traditional cities – in CIEE’s Open Campus Block program. Take one, two, or three six-week blocks and choose your courses that fit your academic needs. Anyone looking for the unique combination of language, people, and emerging technology will find that and more in the heart of Japan’s “cultural capital”, Kyoto.
Stay in Kyoyo the entire time or spend other blocks at our Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Yucatan.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
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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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Your Destination
Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 AD, remained the symbolic and imperial capital for over one thousand years. Often thought of for its cultural legacy, Kyoto is also a dynamic entrepreneurial hub and houses the world’s first Manga museum just minutes from the CIEE Kyoto Center.
Imagine a “cultural iceberg” stretching over a thousand years deep where residents embrace traditional societal norms of harmony through mutual respect, cooperative efforts, helping others before yourself, and a mindful “reading of the air” (figuring out problems without having to ask). Now imagine exploring Kyoto in many of its deeply cultural traditions from its synergistic Buddhist and Shinto religions to its artistic aesthetic gardens to its highly refined textile, pottery, arts. Kyoto residents appreciate visitors who show sincere interest in Japanese (and uniquely Kyoto) culture, friendships will blossom like the cherry trees along the Kamogawa river that flows gently through the city.
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
Ample activities and daytrips will enliven your life in Kyoto and its surrounding cultural destinations. Sample excursions include:
- A hike up Mt. Hiei (cable car/ropeway and bus trip are easier options!) to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji, head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism – with vistas of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest, and the whole Kyoto valley;
- A one-car train ride north of town to Kurama or a bus ride to nearby Ohara village, with two breathtaking temples (Jakko-in and Sanzen-in), after a hot footbath, traditional meal or relaxing hot-spring dip;
- A day-trip to Nara – Japan’s capital before Kyoto – with its great seated Buddha in Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden structure, Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of stone lanterns, and the Deer Park, where they will “bow” in thanks as you offer the deer biscuits;
- A thought-provoking daytrip Hiroshima to see the Atomic Dome, Peace Park, & museum combined with a visit to the White Heron Castle in Himeji
- Within Kyoto, walk through the exquisite gardens of two Imperial Villas – Katsura & Shugakuin – and of the historic Imperial Palace itself. You can also hear the squeaking “Nightingale Floors” as you walk through Nijo Castle (after crossing its moat, of course!).
- Each block includes two daytrips.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights.
Projects
- Volunteering. Give back and create a deeper connection to Kyoto. Opportunities are being developed for students to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more. As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
- Internships. Build new skills and intercultural competencies through the CIEE Academic Internship, and become an active member of Kyoto’s cutting-edge high-tech environment.
- Research. Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent, local field work – possibilities include religion, history, traditional art-forms, Manga & popular culture.
- Service-learning projects. Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need. These projects are under development.
Daily Life
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Housing
Dormitory Rooms
Most students live in rooms with ensuite bathrooms including bath/shower facilities in CIEE-maintained dormitory rooms either within the same building as CIEE Kyoto or in the immediate neighborhood. The Student Lounge offers opportunities for music and movie-nights.Homestay Option
With advanced notice, arrangements may permit a culturally enriching homestay with a local Japanese family. Priority will be given to those with some prior Japanese-language skills. -
Meals
Dormitory 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.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Stay in Kyoto for the duration of your study abroad or add on blocks in other CIEE Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Yucatan, to experience more intercultural learning.
Students can choose from a variety of disciplines within seven different tracks: Art and Architecture; Business; Communications, Journalism, and New Media; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture; and STEM and Society.
The CIEE Center is in the heart of Kyoto, known for its energetic mix of business, students, food and arcade shopping, traditional festivals, and lively cultural life. The city’s two subway lines intersect just a two-minute walk from the Center, providing access in all four directions and Kyoto’s main train station a mere 3 stops away. Famed Nijo Castle, the Imperial Palace – an immense inner-city park with shaded walkways – and the riverbank park running the length of Kamo River are within a 15-minute walk. Complimenting our “Manga & Japanese Art” course, the Int’l Manga Museum, too, is just minutes away.
Courses are taught in English by CIEE faculty; Japanese language classes are available at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels – with language-practice opportunities with Shiga Univ students.
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 are required to enroll in two courses each block. Students attending the program for all three blocks in a semester may select one block in which to enroll in only one course.
Note: A student visa is required for students planning to remain in Japan for three blocks consecutively, requiring an early decision due to the considerable visa-related administrative paperwork.
PROGRAM CREDIT
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits
- Three blocks: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- lab courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- CIEE Academic Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
- CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 90 service 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
Each six-week course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated and the workload is demanding. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Kyoto when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends in between blocks.
Class Format
Courses taught at the CIEE Kyoto Center are typically for CIEE students only, although Japanese students from partner Shiga University may – when schedules and GPA/English capabilities permit – participate and take courses as well. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two, three, or four times per week, and 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. Some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.
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/or 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
Fall 2022 Term
Students may choose to study at only one CIEE site per semester or opt for the mobility options across the active sites. Health and safety conditions permitting, instruction will be live in the classroom for onsite students with some classes provided via hybrid and online learning. Contingency plans are in place to allow for program completion in the event of any academic disruption.
Course Notes
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
- Use the Course Comparison Tools to compare classes offered across all Open Campus Block programs for each block.
- Mobile students studying for three blocks who wish to complete a lab course will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
- Many CIEE courses are available in multiple CIEE locations. To help ensure you are able to enroll in the courses you need, some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location. However, regardless of your location, you will apply what you learn from the instructor and course materials in your location. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE” – open the syllabus to see the instruction location, if known.
Academic Projects
- For Fall 2022, Academic Projects will be offered onsite (either in-person or remotely) or remotely from another Open Campus location, dependent on availability and in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- Academic Project placement will be designed based on the student’s project learning goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements in location or within the Open Campus Network, either in-person or remotely. The process is highly individualized and goal oriented. Students enrolled in an Academic Project will receive additional academic support that informs and enhances the placement experience.
- Students applying for an Academic Project are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory Japanese language course will be instructed to take an online Japanese language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on-site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students may opt into the non-credit “Survival Japanese” course offered in each Block during the on-site orientation.
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
- Founder's 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 Block I 2022 6 weeks | May 1, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | Sep 24, 2022 |
$6,250
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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 = $4,806 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $6,250Estimated 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 = $990 † International Airfare = $1,450 †† Local Transportation = $275 ††† Books & Supplies = $110 Personal expenses = $1,050 Other = $150 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,025Financial 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 *** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the on-campus residence hall option. † for students in on-campus residence hall; homestay students should budget $360 per Block for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly. †††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
| Fall Blocks I, II 2022 12 weeks | May 1, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | Nov 5, 2022 |
$12,500
Click to Close
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 = $10,106 ** Housing = $1,900 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $12,500Estimated 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 = $1,980 † International Airfare = $1,450 †† Local Transportation = $550 ††† Books & Supplies = $220 Personal expenses = $2,100 Other = $150 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $6,450Financial 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 *** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the on-campus residence hall option. † for students in on-campus residence hall; homestay students should budget $360 per Block for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly. †††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
| Fall Blocks I, II, III 2022 18 weeks | May 1, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | Dec 17, 2022 |
$18,750
Click to Close
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 = $15,406 ** Housing = $2,850 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $18,750Estimated 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 = $2,970 † International Airfare = $1,450 †† Local Transportation = $825 ††† Books & Supplies = $330 Visa Fees = $125 †††† Personal expenses = $3,150 Other = $150 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $9,000Financial 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 *** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the on-campus residence hall option. † for students in on-campus residence hall; homestay students should budget $360 per Block for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly. †††† Students staying a full semester in Cape Town require a visa ††††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
| Fall Block II 2022 6 weeks | May 1, 2022 | Sep 26, 2022 | Nov 5, 2022 |
$6,250
Click to Close
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 = $4,806 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $6,250Estimated 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 = $990 † International Airfare = $1,450 †† Local Transportation = $275 ††† Books & Supplies = $110 Personal expenses = $1,050 Other = $150 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,025Financial 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 *** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the on-campus residence hall option. † for students in on-campus residence hall; homestay students should budget $360 per Block for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly. †††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
| Fall Blocks II, III 2022 12 weeks | May 1, 2022 | Sep 26, 2022 | Dec 17, 2022 |
$12,500
Click to Close
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 = $10,106 ** Housing = $1,900 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $12,500Estimated 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 = $1,980 † International Airfare = $1,450 †† Local Transportation = $550 ††† Books & Supplies = $220 Personal expenses = $2,100 Other = $150 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $6,450Financial 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 *** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the on-campus residence hall option. † for students in on-campus residence hall; homestay students should budget $360 per Block for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly. †††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
| Fall Block III 2022 6 weeks | May 1, 2022 | Nov 7, 2022 | Dec 17, 2022 |
$6,250
Click to Close
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 = $4,806 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $6,250Estimated 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 = $990 † International Airfare = $1,450 †† Local Transportation = $275 ††† Books & Supplies = $110 Personal expenses = $1,050 Other = $150 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,025Financial 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 *** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the on-campus residence hall option. † for students in on-campus residence hall; homestay students should budget $360 per Block for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Students typically prefer to use Uber for their private transport and should budget accordingly. †††† Covid test to return to the US, if required |
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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David H. Satterwhite, Ph.D.
Center Director
David grew up in Kyoto and speaks Japanese with the local accent, in addition to standard Japanese and appropriate levels of speech.
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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