Semester in Kyoto

Study Program

Your Semester in Kyoto program lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live and learn in Kyoto!

Unique Experiences

Immerse yourself in the “cultural capital” of Japan

and soak in Kyoto’s depth with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions dating back more than 1,200 years

Be entranced by the Zen rock garden of Ryoanji Temple

and take in the contrast between the dazzling Golden Temple and the more serene Silver Temple

Walk through Kyoto’s old streets in traditional wear

by donning a kimono or yukata as you make your way to the famous bamboo forest of Arashiyama

Your Destination

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, offering a serene yet stimulating environment for students across disciplines. Known for its centuries-old temples, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant seasonal festivals, Kyoto blends timeless heritage with modern life. From strolling through bamboo forests to experiencing innovative sustainability initiatives, the city offers a unique lens for learning. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Kyoto is the perfect place to study abroad.

Program Highlights

Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project for increased professional development opportunities.

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto will open doors for you to explore Japan’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Take immersive day trips to the historic temples of Nara, the scenic tea town of Uji, the vibrant streets of Osaka, and the dynamic port city of Kobe
Visit a World Heritage Site, like the 400-year-old Njio Castle or the home of Japanese green tea, Uji, in Kyoto
Dive into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage with a hands-on workshop in a traditional Japanese craft or art form, led by local artisans

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.

Housing & Meals

Housing

CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From apartments within 20 minutes of CIEE Kyoto to homestays a train and/or bus ride away, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries. 

Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay within a 70-minute commute or a shared, twin room in an apartment located within 20 minutes of CIEE Kyoto.

Homestays: Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family.
Apartments: Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities.

Select Housing: Includes a private single apartment located under 20 minutes from CIEE Kyoto. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Select housing requires an additional fee. 

Select Plus Housing: Includes a private single apartment located under 5 minutes from CIEE Kyoto. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Select Plus Housing requires an additional fee.

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.

Meals

Apartments: Apartments are equipped with a single-burner range, microwave, and fridge kitchenette. Students can prepare simple in-house meals with basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore affordable restaurants in the immediate neighborhood or explore the city for a full range of cuisine and prices. 

Homestays: Hosts provide two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) seven days a week.

Standard Apartment

Double room

Select Apartment

Single room

Select Plus Apartment

Single room

Academics

CIEE Kyoto: Study in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike – a 15-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River, and the former Imperial Palace. CIEE Kyoto features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

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.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All CIEE Semester in Kyoto students take 4 courses for a total of 12-14 semester credits, choosing from:

CIEE courses
Up to 2 ASU online courses in session A (max 8 total credits)

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-14 U.S. semester credits/18-21 quarter credits.

Course Credit

CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)
CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time.

Attendance is considered mandatory for CIEE courses.

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of in-class and online engagement, preparation, and specific assessments (such as project work, presentations, examinations, etc).

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

Language of Instruction

English

Course Information

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

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.

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Kyoto's work scene blends tradition and modernity and is driven by tourism, hospitality, and creative industries. Reflecting Japan's business culture, it emphasizes long working hours, hierarchical structures, teamwork, and loyalty. This unique mix honors Kyoto's heritage while embracing evolving sectors.

An intern works on a design in a workshop

Architecture and Construction

Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

An intern watches a clothing designer work on a garmet

Consumer Goods and Retail

Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

A female intern works on a computer server

Information Technology

Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Find Internship Options

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

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

Conor Aherne

Center Director

Conor’s passion for Japan began 12 years ago when he studied abroad in Tokyo. He holds an MA in Japanese & Asian History from Saitama University and is a specialist in Kyoto history.

Izumi Wada

Senior Program Coordinator

Izumi was born in Kyoto and studied abroad in the US when she was in high school. She is passionate about helping students make their study abroad experience meaningful and fruitful (and baking bread on the weekend!).

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

Apply Now

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!