bright street tokyo japan
Tokyo, Japan

Summer Global Internship

Study Program Full-Time Internship

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Spend your summer interning abroad with CIEE in Tokyo! Asia’s largest metropolitan area, Tokyo is home to more than 14 million residents and nearly 15 million annual visitors. Boasting some of the world’s largest companies and brands, Tokyo offers student interns a vibrant global commercial hub with a cosmopolitan culture, world-class arts, excellent restaurants, and a diverse mix of companies perfect for developing your professional skill set.

When you apply to become a CIEE intern, our staff will work directly with you to match you with an internship opportunity that suits your unique needs and professional goals. While internships are competitive, CIEE will help you navigate the internship interview process to set you up for success. Our staff will offer you constructive resume revisions and provide you with the tools to succeed in your interview to ensure you are placed with the right opportunity. Learn more about our personalized placement process.

Unique Experiences

Learn about traditional Japanese culture

at historical sites such as Meiji-jingu shrine and Senso-ji Temple

See the latest fashion trends

in world-renowned fashion districts such as Harajuku and Ginza

Stroll through Akihabara's electric town

heartland of “otaku” culture where anime, manga, video games, and electronics abound

5M

number of passengers passing through Shinjuku Train Station everyday

14

number of restaurants in Tokyo with three Michelin stars

2017

year Tokyo was ranked safest city in the world by the Economist Safe Cities Index

Experience
  • City Skyline of Tokyo, Japan

Your Destination

Not only is Tokyo one of the most dynamic and modern cities in the world, but it’s also one of the world’s most popular trendsetters. From technology to fashion, cuisine to cinema, Japanese culture has traveled far and wide around the globe.

Learn more about Tokyo and see past internship examples » 

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

tokyo student on a train looking out window at Mt. Fuji

Excursions & Activities

  • Take in Tokyo’s beautiful night scenery with a trip on the open-air Sky Bus 
  • Experience Japan’s passion for baseball at a local stadium 
  • Set out across the 918-meter-long-single-span suspension bridge to Odaiba. 
  • Find inner peace in an authentic Zen garden. 
tokyo tower sunset

Professional Development

  • Refine your resume and interviewing skills for the local business culture
  • Explore the professional working world of Tokyo through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures
  • Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Study Abroad in Japan: FAQs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re about to embark on a study abroad adventure to Japan or considering this fascinating country a study abroad option, read on as we dive into some of our... keep reading

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

Housing
Academics

Academics

As a global intern in Tokyo, you’ll work in a non-paying position within a wide range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative industries. Extra-curricular cultural activities in and around Tokyo complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of the city.

This eight-week program includes a full-time internship and an integrated online academic course. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Recommendations

Internship Placements
Internship opportunities will be available in the following areas:

  • Business and Communications
  • Information Technology and Computer Science
  • Non-profits and NGOs

We encourage students with an interest in Tokyo to apply early. Students should have relevant academic or professional experience related to the above-mentioned internship fields before applying.

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

Students participate in an academic course taught in a hybrid learning environment alongside the eight-week, full-time internship. Participation in the integrated academic course and internship are mandatory for all participants.

Program Credit

Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits

Course Credit

Internship: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 15 integrated academic course hours, 225-300 internship placement 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

Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship project and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organizations. The academic course is designed to prepare students for leadership in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse workforce.

Class Format

Students participate in an eight-week CIEE full-time internship and academic course taught in an online learning environment. Class and/or work hours may be scheduled Monday-Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced for all. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session.

Grading

Students will be assessed via assignments and activities related to the academic course, including but not limited to: online discussion forums, reflective papers, individual or group presentations, analysis of readings, an internship work plan, and feedback from internship supervisor. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress towards goals.

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

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.

Internship Opportunities

Gain real-world work experience, grow your professional network, and bolster your resume while interning at developing startups, communication centers, NGOs and more in Tokyo. Search  for a more detailed list of internship opportunities.

Business and Communications  
Marketing, operations and market research.

Non-profits and NGOs 
Program development and management, think tanks, and advocacy groups.

Information Technology and Computer Science  
Front-end and back-end coding, IT, and technical customer support. 

Note: Please keep in mind that securing a spot in any of these opportunities is not automatically guaranteed and depends on availability and the internship host organization's decision. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The internships, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Session II 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

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 Summer 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,450

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 = $4,453

Housing = $3,500

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,450

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,700

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $190

Other = $150

Total Costs = $2,500

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

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.

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

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.

Request Info