Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan

Semester Intern + Study Abroad

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad program in Kyoto lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: a part-time internship with an international organization (approximately 20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and two elective courses taught by CIEE faculty or online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while building career skills, expanding your professional network, and immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live, learn, and work in Kyoto!

Unique Experiences

Support tourism initiatives

focusing on promoting sustainability and ecotourism

Create and manage digital content

for social media platforms

\

Help organize live performance

or community art projects in Kyoto

Experience
  • Kyoto
  • hssa kyoto kimono girls

Your Intern and Study Abroad Destination in Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural gem, celebrated for its rich history, serene temples, and timeless traditions. The city seamlessly blends ancient Japanese culture with modern influences, offering iconic landmarks like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine, world-class museums, traditional tea houses, and vibrant festivals. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Kyoto is the perfect place to study or intern abroad. 

kyoto japan students classroom leanring

Program Highlights

  • Internship Placements: CIEE offers the largest inventory of internship placements that align with your career aspirations.  
  • Elective Courses: Choose from in-person courses at CIEE Kyoto or online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Workshops:Enhance your resume and interview skills while immersing yourself in Japanese business culture through an internship and workshops that build practical skills, foster cultural competence, and expand your network.
  • Company Visits: Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Kyoto.
kyoto-hiroshima-atomic-dome

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto will open doors for you to explore Japan’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Hike up Mt. Hiei to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Biwa
  • Take a day trip to Hiroshima to see the Atomic Dome, Peace Park, and museum combined with a visit to the White Heron Castle in Himeji
  • Stroll through the exquisite gardens of the Katsura and Shugakuin Imperial Villas, as well as the historic Imperial Palace itself

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Full Circle: What I took home from Japan

By CIEE Kyoto at CIEE

Written by John Dawes The chance to go abroad to a foreign country is a rare opportunity. According to a 2023 Pew Research study, 23% of Americans have never left... keep reading

From CIEE

Nice to meet you!

By CIEE Kyoto at CIEE

Written by Miki Hattori Thanks for stopping by! My name is Miki Hatori and I’m the High School Program Manager at CIEE Kyoto. I manage all the high school programs... keep reading

From CIEE

From Tatami Floors to Neon Nights: How Japan Became My Home Away from Home

By CIEE Kyoto at CIEE

Written by: Lisa Busby こんにちは!(Konnichiwa!) My name is Lisa, and I’m a student at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. This summer, I studied abroad with CIEE Kyoto, taking courses... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Kyoto: Study in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike – a 15-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River, and the former Imperial Palace. CIEE Kyoto features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

Courses

Course Information

  • Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted.

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.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Kyoto's work scene blends tradition and modernity and is driven by tourism, hospitality, and creative industries. Reflecting Japan's business culture, it emphasizes long working hours, hierarchical structures, teamwork, and loyalty. This unique mix honors Kyoto's heritage while embracing evolving sectors. 

An intern works on a design in a workshop

Architecture and Construction

Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

An intern watches a clothing designer work on a garmet

Consumer Goods and Retail

Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

A female intern works on a computer server

Information Technology

Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

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
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 12 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $12,950
Program Spring 2026 12 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $12,950
Program Fall 2026 12 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 $9,456 **
Housing $3,000 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $12,950

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 $1,800
Select Plus Housing Fee $2,700

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 $420
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $300
Books & Supplies $50
Visa Fees $22 †††
Personal expenses $235 ††††
Other $100 †††††
Total Costs $2,827

*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 a day. For students in dormss, 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

†††visa application fee

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

†††††Japanese National Health 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.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $9,206 **
Housing $3,250 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $12,950

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 $1,800
Select Plus Housing Fee $2,700

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 $428
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $300
Books & Supplies $50
Personal expenses $235 †††
Total Costs $2,713

*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. $428 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)

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

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!).

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

2

Start a Program Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

3

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

4

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

Request Info