tokyo mountain leaves autumn
Tokyo, Japan

Arts +Sciences

Study Program

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

15-16 semester hours

22.5-24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

15-16 semester hours

22.5-24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

15-16 semester hours

22.5-24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

44 weeks

Credit

15-16 semester hours

22.5-24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

15-16 semester hours

22.5-24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

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

90

countries represented by Sophia University students

13.6 M

people make this the most densely populated place on Earth

142,000

square miles of total land space in Japan

Experience
  • tokyo red temple student group
  • tokyo skyline at night

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

street signs and light up building tokyo japan

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. 
tokyo students drinking water at shrine

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

From CIEE

5 Reflections from Studying Abroad in Tokyo

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Study abroad will change your life! We asked alumni to reflect on their time abroad and share a few tips to help future students prepare for the journey ahead. Check... keep reading

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: TOKYO

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT Since the 17th century, soba (buckwheat) noodles have been a staple in the Japanese diet. These tasty noodles are as thick as spaghetti and are eaten either in a... keep reading

The amazing light museum: teamLab Borderless

By Aleya G.

Welcome back! It has been a while since my last post and now we are in the last strech of the spring semester! In my last month, I am attempting... keep reading

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

  • "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

Housing
Academics

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 Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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.

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

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. 

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

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

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 Spring 2024 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $26,950
Program Fall 2024 19 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $26,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Calendar year 2024 44 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2025 18 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 = $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 = $630

International Airfare = $1,550††

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280†††

Other = $100††††

Total Costs = $2,760

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

††††national insurance

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 = $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 = $700

International Airfare = $1,550††

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280†††

Other = $100††††

Total Costs = $2,830

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

††††national insurance

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.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

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.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

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.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

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

Jennifer Butler

Center Director

Jennifer is a long-time resident of Japan but originally hails from the US. She has an MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Sheffield (UK) and a BA in International Studies (Japanese minor) from the University of Alabama.

Teppei Hayashi

Senior Program Manager

Teppei has lived, studied and worked in both Japan and the US (RI, OR, & PA). Majoring in Spanish and French allowed him to study and intern abroad during his...

Starr Miyata

Academic Manager

Starr has several years of experience working in education equity and international education in both the U.S. and Japan.

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