Tokyo, Japan

Arts +Sciences

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Information for term Arts +Sciences

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Sep 19, 2023 – Jan 31, 2024 (19 weeks)
  • Credit: 15-16 semester hours / 22.5-24 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Mar 30 – Jul 30, 2023 (17 weeks)
  • Credit: 15-16 semester hours / 22.5-24 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

October 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Tentative Dates: Mar 27 – Jul 28, 2024 (18 weeks)*
  • Credit: 15-16 semester hours / 22.5-24 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Credit: 15-16 semester hours / 22.5-24 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Mar 30, 2023 – Jan 31, 2024 (44 weeks)
  • Credit: 15-16 semester hours / 22.5-24 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Overview

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Take your arts and sciences studies to the next level in Japan's exciting capital, Tokyo, which radiates light, energy, anime, manga, and games. CIEE's prestigious partner school, Sophia University, will be your host for coursework in English on anthropology, art history, cultural studies, history, international business and economics, linguistics, literature, political science, religion, and philosophy. While taking your courses in the heart of fascinating, sprawling, and densely populated Tokyo, it's easy to immerse yourself in the culture and language. Optional opportunities to volunteer in the community will further enrich your experience.

Your courses will include cultural activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance your classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding. In your free time, you'll have every opportunity to walk through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with friends or visit the observation deck Toyko Skytree for a fantastic view of the city.

 

Unique Experiences

  • Take giant steps

    in your Japanese language skills with classes at your level, from pure beginner to nearly fluent

  • Take the bullet train

    to explore Hiroshima’s famous Peace Memorial Museum and see firsthand the impact of the world’s first atomic bomb

  • Share classes

    and lasting friendships – with Japanese students

  • countries represented by Sophia University students

    90
  • people make this the most densely populated place on Earth

    13.6 M
  • square miles of total land space in Japan

    142,000

Location & Culture

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A city like no other, Tokyo is all about what’s new. With a population of more than 13 million people, it’s crowded, but it’s also super clean and safe. See how limited space has been maximized in ingenious ways and enjoy an astounding variety of shopping options and entertainment. In Tokyo, every customer gets the royal treatment - from helpful clerks and super-fast trains to plenty of places to relax in nature.

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 Tokyo.

The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Take an overnight trip to heritage sites where you will immerse yourself in Japanese culture  
  • Visit the  Ghibli Museum, where Totoro is waiting for us at the entrance. 
  • Find your inner peace in an authentic Zen garden 
  • Get involved in campus life by joining a club at Sophia University.  
  • Academic-year students take an additional weekend to discover other regions like Sendai, Kansai, or Nagano, practicing the language while they explore. 
  • Choose from a range of group cultural activities – there’s always more to see and do. 

PROJECTS

  • Volunteering: We’ll help you find the perfect place to volunteer your skills: helping at a local school, collecting food for the homeless, or offering support to disabled youth.   
  • Internships: We are happy to assist you with ideas for non-credit opportunities. 

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Daily Life

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  • HOUSING

    Homestays: Living with a Japanese family is the best way to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Students who stay for the year will most likely live with a different family each semester. 
     

    Dorms: Dorms provide housing for students from Sophia University and other universities, as well as young professionals. These private facilities are managed by bilingual staff who communicate with students and plan activities. Dorms are co-ed, but men and women have separate floors and may not enter floors of the opposite sex. Each student has a single room with Internet access and shared bathrooms, lounge areas, and laundry. Students prepare meals in the large dorm kitchen. Expect a 60- to 90-minute commute from Sophia University. 
     

    Academic-year housing: Students can choose a dorm or homestay for either/both semesters. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for lodging between semesters. 

  • MEALS

    Homestays: Breakfast and dinner are provided by your host family daily. Plan to get your own lunch. 
     

    Dorms: Students are responsible for providing and paying for all meals and can prepare meals in the large dorm kitchen. 

Tokyo, Japan

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE TOKYO

    Toyko

  • B

    SOPHIA UNIVERSITY

    The Yotsuya campus is in central Tokyo.

What People are Saying

  • "It was fun. I learned a lot of Japanese, and I made a lot of friends in the program and outside of the program at the university."

    Izaak D., Iowa State University
  • "There are lots of perks to CIEE such as the Hiroshima excursion and other aspects such as the Independent Study Tour and cultural reimbursement that encourage further and deeper interaction with Japan."

    Erick C., University of Southern California - Dornsife
  • "The program offers lots of opportunities to put yourself out there and learn the culture and history of the country you're staying in. It will also give you the opportunity to make new friends."

    Caleb C., University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign

Academics

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Academics

Students enroll at the renowned Sophia University to explore Japanese language and culture, furthering their studies with courses from anthropology to political science (taught in English) while experiencing all that Tokyo has to offer. Students enroll in a Japanese language course and English-taught elective courses, one of which must have a Japan-related focus. Students have the ability to take the Intercultural Communication and Leadership course taught by CIEE as an elective course. Language level placement is based on Sophia University’s placement test conducted at the beginning of the semester. 1-2 semesters of college-level Japanese is recommended but not required. Students must be full-time students with at least one completed semester in a degree-seeking program at a four-year or two-year institution.  

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. 

CIEE Tokyo is conveniently located on the Yotsuya campus of Sophia University, minutes away from the vibrant Shinjuku and Ginza districts in Tokyo. 

GPA

Students need to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. Applications will undergo additional scrutiny from Sophia University’s admissions committee if the GPA is 3.0+ but student only has one completed semester at the current institution at time of application, or if the GPA is between 2.75 and under 3.0 (these applications are also required to submit supplemental materials). Sophia University maintains the final decision on admission, looking at performance within areas of study related to its Faculty of Liberal Arts. 

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 Japanese language course 
  • 1 required Japanese Studies-focused course 
  • 2-3 Sophia University/CIEE elective courses 

Program Credit

Total credit range: 15-16 U.S. semester/22.5-24 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • Japanese language courses: 2-4 U.S. semester/3-6 quarter credits; 54-108 contact hours 
  • Japanese intensive language courses: 8 U.S. semester/12 quarter credits; 270 contact hours 
  • Sophia University courses: 2-4 U.S. semester/3-6 quarter credits; 30-54 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

Classes are held on weekdays. Attendance is mandatory. Teaching methods combine lecture and interactive styles. 

Class Format

CIEE students enroll in Sophia University courses alongside Japanese and other international students. The CIEE course is offered only to Tokyo AS students. 

Grading

Language classes: Students are graded based on the results from quizzes, exams, and homework assignments, in addition to class participation. Content courses: grades are based on class participation, a midterm exam, research papers, oral presentations, and a final exam. Some may include compulsory field trips with special assignments. 

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 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

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Course Information

Course Notes

  • One elective course must have a Japan-related focus. 
  • Students are legally required to enroll in 10 hours of contact hours per week under a study visa. 

Host Institution Courses

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SOPHIA UNIVERSITY COURSES

Sophia University offers a large selection of Japanese language courses and area studies courses taught in English. Some courses are taught on a rotational basis and may only be offered in alternate years. Students are advised to remain flexible in selecting courses.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSES

Students are required to take one Japanese language course. For the most up-to-date listings on Japanese language courses, and regular and intensive tracks, visit Sophia University’s Center for Language Education and Research website. Advanced students with near-native fluency may enroll in courses with varying credits, then select three other courses. These upper-level language courses focus on subjects such as translation or advanced reading and writing. Level placement is determined by Sophia University’s placement test conducted at the beginning of the semester. 

  • Japanese M3 (4 credits) 
  • Business Japanese 1-2 (2 credits) 


INTENSIVE JAPANESE LANGUAGE OPTION

Students who have taken at least one semester of college-level Japanese through intermediate-level Japanese have the option to enroll in the Japanese Language Intensive Program (JLIP) at the appropriate level. In the JLIP, students study Japanese for 16 hours and 40 minutes each week. Students then choose two other courses. Level placement is determined by Sophia University’s placement test conducted at the beginning of the semester. Recommended credit: 8 semester/12 quarter hours.

FACULTY OF LIBERAL ARTS COURSES

Students may enroll in courses under three majors: Comparative Culture, International Business and Economics, and Social Studies. Not all courses are offered every semester. For the most up-to-date elective course listings, visit Sophia University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts website.

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

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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

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

Spring 2023 17 weeks Deadline Passed Mar 30, 2023 Jul 30, 2023
$25,950
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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 = $20,703 **

Housing = $4,780 ***

Insurance = $167

Total Fees = $25,950

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 = $3,000

International Airfare = $1,550 ††

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $3,000

Other = $100 †††

Total Estimated Costs = $7,850

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

*** includes two meals per day for homestay students; No meals included for students who select the dormitory option.

for students placed in dormitories; students placed in homestays should budget $1500 for lunches

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† national insurance

Fall 2023 19 weeks Deadline Passed Sep 19, 2023 Jan 31, 2024
$25,950
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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 = $20,673 **

Housing = $4,780 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $25,950

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 = $3,000

International Airfare = $1,550 ††

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $3,000

Other = $100 †††

Total Estimated Costs = $7,850

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

*** includes two meals per day for homestay students; No meals included for students who select the dormitory option.

for students placed in dormitories; students placed in homestays should budget $1500 for lunches

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† national insurance and Covid test for entry to the US, if needed

Calendar year 2023 44 weeks Deadline Passed Mar 30, 2023 Jan 31, 2024
Academic year 2023-2024 44 weeks Deadline Passed Sep 19, 2023 TBD
$50,600
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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 = $39,323 **

Housing = $10,780 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $50,600

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 = $3,000

International Airfare = $1,550 ††

Books & Supplies = $400

Personal expenses = $3,000

Other = $200 †††

Expenses during break = $2,700 ††††

Total Estimated Costs = $10,850

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

*** includes two meals per day for homestay students; No meals included for students who select the dormitory option.

for students placed in dormitories; students placed in homestays should budget $1500 for lunches

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† national insurance and Covid test for entry to the US, if needed

†††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break

Spring 2024 18 weeks Oct 1, 2023 Mar 27, 2024* Jul 28, 2024*
$26,950
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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 = $20,456 **

Housing = $6,000 ***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $26,950

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 = $2,176

International Airfare = $1,550 ††

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280 †††

Other = $100 ††††

Total Estimated Costs = $4,306

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

*** includes two meals per day for homestay students; No meals included for students who select the dormitory option.

For Dorms. Students at Homestays should budget $835

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† Sim requires one-time fee of $25

†††† national insurance

*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.

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What's Included

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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 and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

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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.