Summer in Tokyo (Sophia University)
Unique Experiences
See the Latest Fashion Trends
in world-renowned fashion districts such as Harajuku and Ginza
Learn about Traditional Japanese Culture and Spirituality
at historical site such as Meiji-Jingu Shringe and Sensō-ji Temple
Take a Walk through Akihabara's Electric Town, Heartland of "Otaku" culture
where anime, manga, video games, and electronics abound
Your Destination
Tokyo is Japan’s energetic capital, celebrated for its vibrant summer festivals, scenic cityscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The city comes alive in the summer with colorful fireworks displays, lively matsuri (traditional festivals), buzzing street food stalls, and open-air events in parks and neighborhoods. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Tokyo is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from host institution 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.
- Cultural Activities: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Tokyo 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 past excursions and activities:
- Head to the ballpark to see how baseball is enjoyed Japanese style
- Tour Asakusa and getting a glimpse into traditional Tokyo with the historic Senso-ji Temple and its surrounding Nakamise shopping street
- Visit the "Electric Town" of Akihabara, heaven for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and anime/manga fans
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
Top 10 Japanese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Textbook Japanese is great and all, but if you really want to impress the locals, you need to know Japanese slang terms. These aren’t the phrases you’ll learn in class... keep reading
How to Study Japanese in Japan: 3 Easy Steps
If you’ve ever dreamed of ordering ramen like a pro, exploring ancient temples, or binge-watching anime without subtitles, studying Japanese in Japan is your next big adventure. With vibrant Tokyo... keep reading
Top 6 Places to Explore While Studying in Japan
By: Helena Shimeles During my experience studying overseas in Tokyo I was exposed to an array of adventures, across Japan. Each destination I explored offered a unique blend of traditions... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Tokyo provides convenient housing to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. All housing is within walking distance of train stations, granting you easy access to Tokyo’s numerous sites and attractions through one of the most efficient and comprehensive transportation networks in the world.
- Standard Housing: Includes a double room at a hotel with a private bathroom. Hotels are located within the Greater Tokyo area. The commute time to campus is approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
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
Students are responsible for their own meals. Tokyo boasts an amazing array of restaurants and eateries to satisfy any palate and diet.
Academics
CIEE Tokyo: Study in Chiyoda City, a special ward in the heart of Tokyo. CIEE Tokyo features a student lounge, a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Sophia University: Sophia University was founded by Jesuits in 1913, and today, is one of the leading universities in Japan. It welcomes more than 13,000 students, including international students from more than 90 countries. Located in central Tokyo, the Yotsuya campus includes a library, computer labs, faculty and administrative offices, classrooms, and sports grounds.
Course Information
SOPHA UNIVERSITY SUMMER SESSION IN EAST ASIAN STUDIES COURSES
Course information may be found online.
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through Sophia University’s Summer Session in East Asian Studies program and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required or recommended to enroll in a class.
- Education in Japan
- Global Sustainability Outlook and Practice in Japan
- Japanese Literature and the City
- Japanese Theatre
- Sado, the Way of Tea and Japanese Culture
- Food and Social Issues in Japanese Literature and Film
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) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
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 | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $4,500 ** |
| Housing | $750 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $5,750 |
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.
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 | $321 † |
| International Airfare | $1,700 |
| Local Transportation | $100 |
| Books & Supplies | $100 |
| Personal expenses | $135 †† |
| Total Costs | $2,356 |
*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.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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 | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $4,220 ** |
| Housing | $730 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $5,450 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $600 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $700 |
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.
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 | $315 † |
| International Airfare | $1,700 |
| Local Transportation | $50 |
| Books & Supplies | $100 |
| Personal expenses | $145 †† |
| Total Costs | $2,310 |
*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.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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
Brendan Delahunty
Center Director
Brendan is a long-time resident of Japan, originally hailing from Sydney, Australia
Saya Nishina
Director of Operations
Saya gained extensive experience in the language education industry, working in various departments including sales/marketing, human resources, academic affairs, new business development, and international operations in Japan for more than 20 years.
Rumi Mizusako
College Program Coordinator
Rumi is passionate about encouraging others to explore beyond what they have always known and to engage in different cultures and values.
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.
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