Information for term Summer Ancient + Modern Japan
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenConsidered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is world-renowned for its historical sites and rich experiences. Spend your summer living in and exploring Kyoto on your terms by spending one six-week block (or up to two) in this fully customizable program. You will immerse yourself in downtown Kyoto where you will be nearby historic landmarks, hone your Japanese language skills, and get the experience you need to launch an international career in the creative industries.
When class is in session, you will learn from instructors at CIEE Kyoto in courses across a wide range of subject areas, including business, communication, community health, international relations, STEM, and more. With instructors or on your own, you will have ample opportunities to explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the city's rich food scene, and visit the Manga Museum, right next to CIEE Kyoto!
Build Your Summer Adventure
Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Kyoto for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, or Yucatan.
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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BE ENTRANCED BY THE ZEN ROCK GARDEN OF RYOANJI TEMPLE
when you stroll the Philosopher's Walk, paying special attention to the dazzling Golden Temple and serene Silver Temple
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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE “CULTURAL CAPITAL” OF JAPAN
where rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions date back 1,200+ years
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INDULGE IN KYOTO’S FAMOUS “UJI” GREEN TEA
which can be enjoyed as a drink or in 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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The Destination
Dating back to 794 AD, Kyoto has been the symbolic and imperial capital for more than 1,000 years. Widely acknowledged for its cultural legacy, Kyoto is a dynamic entrepreneurial hub and home to 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, 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, and 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 day trips 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 – the head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism – with vistas of Lake Biwa 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 – to visit Tōdai-ji Temple (home to a 500-ton sculpture of the Buddha), Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine (home to thousands of stone lanterns), and Deer Park (where animals will "bow" in thanks as you offer the deer biscuits).
- A thought-provoking day trip to Hiroshima to see the Atomic Dome, explore Peace Park, and visit the museum, combined with a visit to the White Heron Castle in Himeji.
- A walk through Kyoto's exquisite gardens of two Imperial Villas – Katsura & Shugakuin – and of the historical 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 day trips.
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.
Daily Life
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Housing
Dormitory Rooms
Most students live in rooms with ensuite bathrooms including bath/shower facilities in a CIEE-maintained dormitory, either within the same building as CIEE Kyoto or in the immediate neighborhood. CIEE Kyoto’s 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.
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
Students take two credit-bearing courses per summer block. This program provides opportunities to enroll in courses from a variety of academic tracks. Students will learn the intercultural skills needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
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
All students must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block.
Program Credit
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 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
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 course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. 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 away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks.
Class Format
Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet two, three, or four times per week. 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 with our learning management system, Canvas.
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 midterm 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
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.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Japanese course (non-credit) during a single block.
Summer 2023 Course List (syllabi available soon)
Click to OpenBlock I:
- COMM 3301 KYJA - Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- JAPN 1003 KYJA - Japanese Language – Beginning I
- THES 3001 KYJA - Japanese Theater
- EAST 3001 KYJA - Analysis of Japanese Popular Culture
- CINE 3101 KYJA - Japanese Media, Anime, and Film
- NONCR JAPN KYJA - Survival Japanese
Block II:
- VART 3001 KYJA - Japanese Manga and Art
- (GI) COMM 3009 KYJA - Media, Gender and Identity
- RELI 3001 KYJA - Religion and Society
- JAPN 2003 KYJA - Japanese Language – Intermediate I
- HIST 3003 KYJA - Modernizing Ancient Japan
- NONCR JAPN KYJA - Survival Japanese
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 Block I 2023 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Jun 24, 2023 |
$6,650
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 = $4,797 ** Housing = $1,356 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $6,650Financial 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 |
| Summer Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$13,300
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 = $10,091 ** Housing = $2,712 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $13,300Financial 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 |
| Summer Block II 2023 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Jun 26, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$6,650
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 = $4,797 ** Housing = $1,356 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $6,650Financial 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 |
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?
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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