Summer in Osaka
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
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.
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.
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?
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
The 6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Osaka
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
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 & Meals
Housing
CIEE Osaka offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a twin room in an apartment, dormitory or hotel or a single room at a homestay.
- Select Housing: Includes a single room in an apartment, dormitory, or hotel. Select 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, Dormitories, Hotels: Meals are not included.
- Homestays: Breakfast and dinner are provided seven days per week
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.
Course Information
Summer Session I 2027
Summer Session II 2027
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 & 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.
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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
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
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.