osaka-colorful-street-scene-osaka-tower
Osaka, Japan

Summer in Osaka

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

8 weeks

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Summer in Osaka program invites students from all academic backgrounds to experience daily life and learning in one of Japan’s most dynamic cities. You will choose from CIEE courses taught in-person at CIEE Osaka. Outside the classroom, you will enjoy co‑curricular and extracurricular activities such as exploring the lively street food scene in Dotonbori, visiting historic landmarks like Osaka Castle, and taking excursions to nearby Kyoto to experience its temples and traditional neighborhoods. Spending the summer in Osaka means immersing yourself in a fast‑paced city where modern energy meets deep‑rooted tradition, with unforgettable food, culture, and experiences around every corner! 

Unique Experiences

Discover Osaka's food culture

through hands-on takoyaki making workshops and visits to Osaka's famous local markets

Explore Japan's history and traditions

with cultural activities such as tea ceremony experiences

Connect with local students and communities

through intercultural exchange events, volunteer opportunities, and city-wide festivals

Experience
  • osaka-bay-view-ferris-wheel-twilight

Your Destination

Osaka is Japan’s energetic and welcoming cultural hub, known for its vibrant city life, rich traditions, and world‑famous food scene. The city comes alive in the summer with lively street festivals, bright waterfront districts, and opportunities to explore iconic spots like Osaka Castle and the bustling Dotonbori area. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Osaka offers an exciting and dynamic place to study abroad. 

Osaka Shinsekai District at dusk

Program Highlights 

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Spend one or two consecutive 4-week sessions in the same host city or travel between cities for a comparative cultural experience. 
  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses that align with your academic major. 
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes. 
  • Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience. 
Two female students post in front of Osaka Castle

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Osaka 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 excursions and activities: 

  • Step back in time at Kyoto’s iconic temples and shrines, including visits to Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the historic Gion district to experience Japan’s cultural heritage firsthand 
  • Discover the ancient capital of Nara by exploring Todai-ji Temple, meeting the famous freely roaming deer in Nara Park, and learning about Japan’s earliest history 
  • Experience Osaka’s modern energy and culinary traditions through guided visits to Dotonbori, street-food tastings, and interactive workshops where students can learn to make local specialties  

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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

Osaka vs. Tokyo: Where Should You Study Abroad?
From CIEE

Osaka vs. Tokyo: Where Should You Study Abroad?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re considering studying abroad in Japan, you’ve likely come across the classic debate: Osaka vs. Tokyo. Both cities offer incredible opportunities, unforgettable cultural experiences, and access to world-class academics... keep reading

6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Osaka
From CIEE

The 6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Osaka

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Osaka is one of Japan’s most dynamic cities, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, vibrant street life, and unforgettable food culture. Whether you're drawn to business innovation, cutting-edge technology, or immersive... keep reading

Eat, Drink, Explore: Osaka
From CIEE

Eat, Drink, Explore: Osaka

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Best Food to Eat in Osaka Osaka is nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen,” and it’s easy to see why. From bustling street stalls to stylish restaurants, the city turns every meal into... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Osaka: Study in a lively Japanese city celebrated for its welcoming spirit, bold food culture, and rich regional identity. Combine engaging academics with opportunities to explore historic landmarks, dynamic neighborhoods, and nearby cultural destinations throughout the Kansai region. 

Courses

Course Information

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

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) Travel Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global 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 Summer Session I 2027 4 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $4,950
Program Summer Session II 2027 4 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $4,950
Program Summer Session I and II 2027 8 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 $500 *
Educational Costs $1,750 **
Housing $2,500 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $4,950

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.

*non-refundable

**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.

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 $500 *
Educational Costs $1,750 **
Housing $2,500 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $4,950

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.

*non-refundable

**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.

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

Atsuko Yamada

Regional Director of Operations for North Pacific Rim    

Atsuko joined CIEE Tokyo in 2013 with extensive professional experience as a study abroad advisor for students in Japan for over 11 years.

Get Started Steps

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!

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.

Request Info