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Kyoto, Japan

Summer Ancient + Modern Japan

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Information for term Summer Ancient + Modern Japan

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 14 – Jul 12, 2021 (4 weeks)
  • Credit: 3 - 4 per Session semester hours / 4.5 - 6 per Session quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$4,250 See full breakdown
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Overview

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Kyoto is a beautiful, historic city centrally located in the Kansai region in 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.

Unique Experiences

  • VISIT THE GOLDEN PAVILLION

    Pass through the torii gates of the Fox Shrine, and gaze upon the Zen garden of Ryoanji Temple.

  • 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.

  • ENJOY A MEMORABLE TEA CEREMONY

    Don a kimono and learn the fascinating history and Zen philosophy behind the ancient tea ceremony.

  • UNESCO World Heritage sites within Kyoto

    17

  • 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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Japanese women in traditional garb
River boats in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is located in the Kansai region in the southern 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 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.

Train in Kyoto, Japan

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 museums.
  • 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.

City street in Kyoto, Japan

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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  • Houses in Kyoto, Japan

    Housing

    CIEE will house students in a dormitory and deliver the majority of classes at its location near the central Kyoto Station district. 

  • Meals

    Meals are not included. Students can cook simple meals at the common space within the dormitory. In addition, Kyoto is well-known for its local cuisine and students can easily find options to suit various dietary needs.

Kyoto, Japan

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE Kyoto Center

    Our home in Kyoto

  • B

    Kyoto Train Station

    Kyoto is home to Japan's second-largest station building, housing a shopping mall, hotel, and movie theater.

  • C

    Nishiki Traditional Market

    Historic marketplace for Japanese wares

Academics

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Academics

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

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Course 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 Global Institutes and CIEE Centers.

Scholarships

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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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global 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 info

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Summer Session II 2021 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 14, 2021 Jul 12, 2021
$4,250
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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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $2,427 **

Housing = $1,356

Insurance = $167

Total Fees = $4,250

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 = $600

International Airfare = $1,700 †

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $600

Other = $150 ††

Total Estimated Costs = $3,200

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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

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?

See Our Scholarships

Get Started

Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:
  • 1

    START AN APPLICATION
    You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! 

    Apply Now
  • 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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