Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cities program in Tokyo lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Japan's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Tokyo while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses and host institution courses. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Tokyo!
Unique Experiences
Explore Tokyo's Eco-Friendly Districts
to see sustainable architecture, green spaces, and zero-waste stores in Kichijoji and Daikanyama
Discover the Future of Smart Cities
at Miraikan, Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Navigate Tokyo on Electric Bikes
to experience the city's growing focus on sustainable transportation and eco-friendly mobility solutions
Your Destination
Tokyo is Japan's cutting-edge metropolis celebrated for its world-class technology, innovative urban planning, and unique blend of tradition and modernity. As a leader in robotics, artificial intelligence, and high-speed transportation, the city offers futuristic solutions, efficient transit, and iconic design. Explore Shibuya, Harajuku, Tokyo Tower, and a vibrant startup scene. Whether you are studying business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Tokyo is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Tokyo will open doors for you to explore Japan's rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit the Tokyo Urban Green Space Initiative (TUGS) and learn about how green spaces are incorporated into high-rise urban developments and their impact on local ecosystems
- Explore the Sustainable Fish Market at Tsukiji Outer Market to discuss sustainable sourcing, traceability of fish, and the importance of sustainable fishing practices
- Take a field trip to the Tokyo Bay Waterfront and visit ongoing sustainable urban development projects like Toyosu and Odaiba
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
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: TOKYO
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN TOKYO Since the 17th century, soba (buckwheat) noodles have been a staple in the Japanese diet. These tasty noodles are as thick as spaghetti and... keep reading
How to Study Abroad in Japan: 4 Simple Steps
Japan is an extraordinary country – one of the oldest in the world – and it will surprise and delight you at every turn. If you choose a Japan study... keep reading
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
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Tokyo provides student dormitory housing to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. Each dorm offers a safe and supportive living environment with convenient access to shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation. We aim to make your stay in Tokyo as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Standard Housing: Includes a single occupancy room in an international residence hall within a 70-minute commute to CIEE Center.
- Oberlin Student Dormitories: The student dormitories are off campus university housing which provides single rooms with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Students have access to study rooms, meeting rooms, a TV area, and laundry at the dorms. Dorms are conveniently located near public transportation routes and a free shuttle bus takes passengers to the J.F. Oberlin main campus in 5-8 minutes.
- If the Oberlin student dormitories are fully booked, CIEE also provides alternative accommodation at a private student dormitory which is located around 30 minutes by public transportation to the campus.
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 Dates and Fees program.
Meals
Residence Hall: Students have shared kitchen facilities to prepare meals or purchase food and drinks at local grocery stores.
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.
J.F. Oberlin University: J.F. Oberlin University is a private university located in Machida, Tokyo, founded in 1966. With a student population of approximately 10,000, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing liberal arts education. The academic structure includes faculties such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Management, and the College of Performing and Visual Arts. J. F. Oberlin University fosters a global outlook through its robust international exchange programs and its diverse student body from around the world.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism |
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
J.F. Oberlin University
Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process.
J.F. Oberlin University at a glance (PDF)
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the university and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required to enroll in a class.
- Culture & Identity
- Fieldwork in Japan
- Approaches to Japan
- Premodern History
- Japanese Aesthetics
- Jp Theatrical Arts
- Works of A. Kurosawa
- Smartphone Filmmaking
- Multiculturalism
- Issues and Debates
- Modern Cultural History
- US-JP Exchanges
- Japanese Cinema
- Multiculturalism
- Gender Representation
In cases where courses require a certain level of Japanese proficiency, students may be unable to take them if they do not meet that level. Students may also apply for the Chinese language courses, if qualified.
CIEE courses will be offered at Oberlin Machida campus. These courses are only offered to CIEE students.
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
- Trailblazer Grant
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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
| Program Fall 2026 17 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 | $14,956 ** |
| Housing | $4,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $19,950 |
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 | $2,700 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $3,150 |
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 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 | $607 † |
| International Airfare | $1,700 †† |
| Local Transportation | $105 |
| Books & Supplies | $200 |
| Visa Fees | $22 ††† |
| Personal expenses | $292 †††† |
| Other | $100 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $3,026 |
*non-refundable fee
**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 students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $428 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
†††visa application fee
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)
†††††Japanese National Health 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.
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 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.
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
1
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.
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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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