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Semester Intern + Study Abroad

Kyoto, Japan

Semester Intern + Study Abroad

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Select a Term...

Dates

Sep 29 - Dec 20, 2025

12 weeks

Costs

$12,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

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Tentative Dates

Jan 5 - Mar 28, 2026

12 weeks

Costs

$12,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

Sep 28 - Dec 19, 2026

12 weeks

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

May 1, 2026

Apply Now

Request Information

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

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.

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.

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 & 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, double or quad accommodation 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 room 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 5 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

Apartments 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.

Transportation

Commute time from housing location to internship will vary depending on location of the internship provider.

Standard Housing Residence Hall

Double room

Meals

Nishin soba, noodles with herring

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.

Eligibility

On-Program Requirements

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The integrated academic course, which correlates with the internship, is taught in-person and asychronously. Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organization.

CIEE elective courses are taught in six-week blocks, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload can be demanding. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lectures and discussions with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement.

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Students participate in a full-time in-person internship and required academic course featuring both in-person class sessions and online asynchronous work designed to help students develop professional and intercultural competencies to complement their internship experience.

CIEE courses are customized for and open only to CIEE students. Elective classes include a combination of lectures, group work, presentations, and discussions. 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.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of in-class and online engagement and preparation, and specific assessments such as project work, presentations, and examinations.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

Course Information

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

Spring 2026 CIEE Courses

Fall 2026 CIEE Courses

Arizona State University 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.

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.

Fall 2025 Internships


AZOO Inc. Fall 2025 AZOO Inc. Kyoto, Japan Job Type Business - Management Company Industry Business Management and Administration About the Role This internship offers a unique opportunity to blend IT skills with creativity in the tourism space. You'll be brainstorming and developing business ideas aimed at inbound travelers, then bringing those ideas to life through 2–3 trial runs, or monitor tours. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll get to test your concepts in real-world settings, gather feedback, and refine your approach. You’ll work closely with a small, innovative team in Kyoto, gaining insight into both the tech and travel industries. It’s a great fit for someone who enjoys problem-solving, cultural exchange, and seeing their ideas take shape on the ground. About the Company A Kyoto-based global startup with a mission to transform Japan into a tourism-oriented nation through data. Its core product is a next-generation hotel DX system that streamlines hotel operations and enhances customer engagement through integrated CRM and marketing tools. Interested in this internship? This and other internships like it are available by applying to this program. Apply on MyCIEE	Business Management and Administration	Business - Management
AtchiKochi Project Fall 2025 AtchiKochi Project Kyoto, Japan Job Type Education Company Industry Education and Training About the Role This internship is a great opportunity to explore language education through creative outreach and event planning in Kyoto. You’ll be involved in managing social media, editing videos, designing flyers, and helping organize interactive events that connect local and international communities. It’s a dynamic role where you can apply your communication and design skills while supporting language learning and cultural exchange. You’ll work with a friendly, passionate team and gain hands-on experience in promoting educational programs in engaging ways. If you enjoy storytelling, visual content creation, and bringing people together through language, this internship offers a meaningful and fun experience. About the Company A community initiative that helps people gain confidence in speaking English with foreign travelers. Based in Karasuma Oike, it offers practical, travel-focused English learning for all ages. Its programs include classroom lessons, fieldwork with travelers, study tours around Kyoto, and hands-on experiences to build conversation skills. Interested in this internship? This and other internships like it are available by applying to this program. Apply on MyCIEE	Education and Training	Education

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 & 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

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 September 29, 2025	End Date December 20, 2025	Fees & Housing $12,950
Program Spring 2026 12 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date January 5, 2026 ^*	End Date March 28, 2026 ^*	Fees & Housing $12,950
Program Fall 2026 12 weeks	May 1, 2026	Start Date September 28, 2026	End Date December 19, 2026

^*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

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

Optional Housing

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)

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!).

Get Started

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

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

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

Explore Now

Start a Program Application

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

Apply Now

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

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

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.

Email CIEE

Semester Intern + Study Abroad

Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Tentative Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Dates

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Unique Experiences

Support tourism initiatives

Create and manage digital content

Help organize live performance

Your Intern and Study Abroad Destination in Kyoto

Program Highlights

Excursions & Activities

Program Blogs

Housing & Meals

Housing

Meals

Transportation

Academics

GPA

Language Requirements

Additional Requirements

Requirements

Program Credit

Course Credit

Academic Culture

Class Format

Grading

Language of Instruction

Course Information

Academic Projects

Visual and Performing Arts

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Languages and Cultural Studies

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Social Sciences

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Academic Projects

Social Sciences

Visual and Performing Arts

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Communication, Journalism, and Media

History, Philosophy, Religion

Languages and Cultural Studies

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Biological and Physical Sciences

Mathematics and Statistics

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Psychology

Discover Internship Opportunities

Explore Industry Options

Architecture and Construction

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Consumer Goods and Retail

Education and Training

Hospitality and Tourism

Information Technology

Browse Internship Opportunities

Scholarships & Grants

Dates & Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fees

Optional Housing

Financial Aid

Estimated Costs