Overview
Click to OpenKyoto is a beautiful, historic city centrally located in the Kansai region of Japan. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenic mountains, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, and many iconic attractions. As the ancient capital of Japan, it remains the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and visual arts, and attracts visitors from around the globe to its palaces, temples, museums, theaters, and excellent restaurants. Researchers and students are in good company, as Kyoto hosts dozens of top Japanese universities and several national research facilities.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Unique Experiences
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VISIT THE GOLDEN PAVILLION
Pass through the torii gates of the Fox Shrine, and reflect upon the Zen garden of Ryoanji Temple.
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GO BACK IN TIME
Kyoto was Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, and today is still called “the cultural capital of Japan” — rich in ancient cultural, religious, and artistic traditions.
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ENJOY A MEMORABLE TEA CEREMONY
Don a kimono and learn the fascinating history and Zen philosophy behind the ancient tea ceremony.
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UNESCO World Heritage sites within Kyoto
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Number of years Kyoto was Japan’s capital
1,000+ -
minute train journey to Osaka, Kobe, and Nara
30
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Kyoto is located in the Kansai region in the southern part of Honshu island, Japan’s largest. 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 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 learn about ancient Japanese history and 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
Various activities may include:
- Tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds where emperors of old resided.
- Take a walking tour of the Higashiyama District to experience traditional Kyoto.
- Visit the Kyoto National Museum, one of Japan’s oldest and most distinguished, or the Kyoto International Manga Museum – the world’s first – just minutes from CIEE Kyoto.
- Get away to the nearby city of Nara, home of Nara Deer Park, the Great Buddha Hall at 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 of local events, and engagement with peers at local institutions will provide opportunities for students to strengthen their knowledge of Japanese history, enhance their proficiency in Japanese culture, and better understand Japanese social institutions. This will help cultivate a positive and mutually respectful relationship between CIEE and its community partners.
Daily Life
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Housing
CIEE will house students in a dormitory and deliver the majority of classes at its location near the central intersection of Kyoto’s two subway lines, just minutes away from the main Kyoto Station.
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Meals
Meals are not included. Students can cook simple meals in their dormitory rooms. In addition, Kyoto is well-known for its local cuisine 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 Center
Our home in Kyoto
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B
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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C
Nishiki Traditional Market
Historic marketplace for Japanese wares
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This program offers courses designed to help students explore the dynamics of Japanese culture in one of the most celebrated historical cities in the world. Student’s focus on a single intensive course offered during the session, with ample time to explore.
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
1 CIEE elective course
Program Credit
Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session
Course Credit
- CIEE elective course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- Communicative Japanese Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 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 opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through interaction with local students and communities. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday with possible weekend volunteer work and excursions. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students play an active role in their own education; participation in group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors are expected. The grading system may comprise of classroom participation, projects, oral and written presentations, research, and essays.
Class Format
Courses taught at CIEE Kyoto are exclusive to CIEE students. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded based on participation, exams, quizzes, presentations, and papers. Attendance and participation are critical and can directly affect grades.
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
Course Notes
Students studying with CIEE for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Japanese once.
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
- The Stephen M. Lew Lifetime Friendship Award
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session I 2022 4 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 16, 2022 | Jun 13, 2022 |
$4,350
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 = $2,500 ** Housing = $1,356 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $4,350Estimated 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 = $600 International Airfare = $1,700 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $50 Personal expenses = $600 Other = $150 †† Total Estimated Costs = $3,200Financial 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 †† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
| Summer Session I and II 2022 8 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 16, 2022 | Jul 11, 2022 |
$7,830
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 = $4,624 ** Housing = $2,712 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $7,830Estimated 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 = $1,200 International Airfare = $1,700 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $1,200 Other = $150 †† Total Estimated Costs = $4,550Financial 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 †† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
| Summer Sessions I, II and III 2022 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 16, 2022 | Aug 6, 2022 |
$11,310
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 = $6,748 ** Housing = $4,068 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $11,310Estimated 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 = $1,800 International Airfare = $1,700 † Local Transportation = $300 Books & Supplies = $150 Personal expenses = $1,800 Other = $150 †† Total Estimated Costs = $5,900Financial 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 †† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
| Summer Session II 2022 4 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jun 13, 2022 | Jul 11, 2022 |
$4,350
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 = $2,500 ** Housing = $1,356 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $4,350Estimated 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 = $600 International Airfare = $1,700 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $50 Personal expenses = $600 Other = $150 †† Total Estimated Costs = $3,200Financial 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 †† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
| Summer Session II and III 2022 8 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jun 13, 2022 | Aug 6, 2022 |
$7,830
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 = $4,624 ** Housing = $2,712 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $7,830Estimated 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 = $1,200 International Airfare = $1,700 † Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $1,200 Other = $150 †† Total Estimated Costs = $4,550Financial 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 †† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
| Summer Session III 2022 4 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jul 11, 2022 | Aug 6, 2022 |
$4,350
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 = $2,500 ** Housing = $1,356 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $4,350Estimated 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 = $600 International Airfare = $1,700 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $50 Personal expenses = $600 Other = $150 †† Total Estimated Costs = $3,200Financial 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 †† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
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?
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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