Information for term Arts +Sciences
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenTake 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.
Follow our Travels:
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
Click to Open
Your Destination
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
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
Click to Open-
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.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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
Click to OpenCourse 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.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenSOPHIA 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
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
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
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
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 = $20,703 ** Housing = $4,780 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $25,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $7,850Financial 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 *** 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
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 = $20,673 ** Housing = $4,780 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $25,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $7,850Financial 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 *** 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
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 = $39,323 ** Housing = $10,780 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $50,600Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $10,850Financial 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 *** 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
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 = $20,456 ** Housing = $6,000 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $26,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $4,306Financial 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 *** 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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
-
Atsuko Yamada
Acting Center Director
Atsuko joined CIEE Tokyo in 2013 with her extensive professional experience as a study abroad advisor for students in Japan for over 11 years.
-
Hazuki Kato
Manager, Student Life
She earned a B.A. in sociology from Teikyo University and spent one year in U.K to improve English language skills.
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.
You might also like
-
Ancient + Modern Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Learn Japanese language and culture, further your studies with courses on humanities and social sciences taught in English, and experience all that Kyoto has to offer.
-
January in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and is filled with palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theaters.
-
Open Campus Block
Kyoto, Japan
Study abroad in Kyoto – one of Japan’s most traditional cities – in CIEE’s Open Campus Block program.
-
Summer Ancient + Modern Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, further your studies in humanities and social sciences, and experience all that Kyoto has to offer.
-
Summer Global Internship
Tokyo, Japan
Experience international business firsthand in Asia’s largest metropolis.
-
Summer Japanese Studies
Tokyo, Japan
