Information for term Japanese Language & Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenStep back in time in the ancient capital of Japan with the Imperial Palace, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and Zen gardens as your backdrop
Take part in walking tours of Kyoto and discover both the traditional and modern elements of this city. Learn why a cup of matcha bitter green tea is more than just a delicious hot beverage. This immersive experience is all about soaking up the centuries-old Japanese customs and culture all around you. But don’t worry: For a taste of the here-and-now, you can still find popular shopping districts, video-gaming arcades and sidewalk vending machines selling unique products (from socks to pizza slices!) to round out the experience.
You’ll spend most mornings in Japanese language classes with native instructors, improving your skills and confidence no matter your level of proficiency. Afternoons are for cultural exploration and practicing your language skills in real life – on the streets, in cafes and on expert-guided excursions to temples, shrines, palaces, museums and more. For a fully immersive experience, you’ll be placed in a homestay with a Japanese family where you’ll join in the daily routines and learn first-hand about local customs. Together you’ll prepare and share traditional meals, go shopping in markets, visit local sites or just hang out. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that opens your eyes, ears and access to the world — and one you’ll never forget.
CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs are focused on supporting participants in acquiring knowledge and developing skills to live in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. In addition to developing your language skills and gaining a better understanding of the local culture, you will take part in our Global Competence Course. This online course will allow you to connect and collaborate in real-time with our entire cohort of Gap participants worldwide, through interactive workshops and discussions. Reflect on your own cultural biases, share insights about your experience and learn about topics ranging from cultural identity and leadership styles to how to work and live sustainably or develop communication skills.
On weekends and evenings participants will spend time with their homestay where you'll get into the rhythm of local life while exploring all your neighborhood has to offer. Prepare meals with your hosts, meet up with friends, take a day trip to explore a nearby town or nature reserve. Make the most of this amazing opportunity!
The Take-Aways
-
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
15-20 hours per week of Japanese language learning designed to improve real world language skills
-
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with an improved sense of self and awareness of what shapes others
-
CERTIFICATE
Earn a Certificate of Learning in Japanese
-
of alumni said their language skills improved
96% -
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
94% -
said their level of independence increased
89%
Location & Culture
Click to Open
The Destination
Japan’s most historic city remains the hub of traditional old-world culture — and a perfect place to study traditional art, architecture and history
Did you know? Kyoto is home to more than 1,600 temples and 400 shrines.
While Tokyo is the official capital of Japan, Kyoto is often called the country’s “cultural capital.” With a wealth of well-preserved historical and religious landmarks (including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Kyoto is like a living, open-air museum — and a perfect place for studying Japanese language and culture.
Here you’ll see sacred shrines rather than skyscrapers; lanterns in place of neon lights. The narrow stone streets in the center are lined with old wooden houses, traditional teahouses, and quiet gardens. But all around you’ll find modern shops selling snacks (for your fix of Pocky and Matcha Kit Kat!) and noodle or curry houses catering to hungry students.
Adventurous eaters will love Nishiki Market, which has over 100 food stalls and shops of its own. You can fill up on samples, skewers, gyoza dumplings, noodles and more noodles, and pickled everything! Mountains of rice-cake mochi and other wagashi confections come in all shapes and colors. Go for a grilled baby octopus on a stick if you dare!
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 Kyoto.
Daily Life
Click to OpenDaily Life
A succesful Gap experience achieves the right balance between structured language instruction, practice in the community and cultural activties to be fully immersed in the local culture.
Here's how a typical week goes on a CIEE Gap Language & Culture program:
- 15-20 hours of interactive language learning at a language school
- 1 to 2 hours of the CIEE Global Competence Course
- 2 cultural activites, some of which will be done with local university students
- Free time to explore and have fun!
Weekends are for group excursions (1 overnight trip and 2 daytrips per semester), additional CIEE cultural activities or personal travel and exploration.
*If Covid-19 homestay requirements cannot be met participants will be placed in a CIEE-vetted dormitory or apartment. Confirmation will be communicated to participants in advance.
-
-
Local CIEE Center staff available 24/7
Activities
Click to OpenSample Excursions
- Practice the ancient arts of Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony.
- Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where former emperors lived in high style.
- Climb to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, ascending Inari Mountain while passing through thousands of bright-orange torii gates.
- Check out the Kyoto International Manga Museum and its collection of 300,000 comic books! See manga-related exhibits and read any manga (comic book) you like.
- Eat up at world-famous Nishiki Market, or sample traditional tofu, yuba, and saikyo-yaki — Kyoto-style grilled fish.
Sample Day Trips
- Head to the historical city of Nara to see eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple and the Kasuga Grand Shrine.
- Visit Osaka, a thriving port city known for trendy shops, flashy signs, excellent eateries and youthful energy!
- Take in gorgeous views on a daytrip to Kobe – an historic harbor city nestled between mountains and the sea. Look for the iconic port tower and its signature dish, Kobe beef.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!
Eligibility & Fees
Click to OpenEligibility & Fees
Eligibility
Program open to recent high school graduates (no more that 1 year post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
No previous language experience required.
For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by June 1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Full inclusions are found online.
Apply for an academic year and enjoy an authentic holiday experience! If you stay in your host country between the fall and spring semesters, CIEE will cover your housing costs. We will either extend your homestay or provide you with an alternate lodging option until your spring semester classes and activities resume.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year 2022 36 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Sep 4, 2022 | May 13, 2023 |
$25,650 |
| Fall 2022 15 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Sep 4, 2022 | Dec 17, 2022 |
$13,500 |
| Spring 2023 11 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Feb 1, 2023 | Apr 22, 2023 |
$13,500 |
| Academic Year 2023 29 weeks | Jun 1, 2023 | Sep 27, 2023 | Apr 20, 2024 |
$30,600 |
| Fall 2023 11 weeks | Jun 1, 2023 | Sep 27, 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 |
$17,000 |
| Spring 2024 11 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 | Apr 20, 2024 |
$17,000 |
Ready to change your life?
You might also like
-
Arabic Language & Culture
Rabat, Morocco
A charming seaside city with rich Moroccan culture makes an unforgettable setting
-
French Language & Culture
Paris, France
-
German Language & Culture
Berlin, Germany
Hip, diverse, and student-friendly, Berlin is a beloved hub for international study
-
Italian Language & Culture
Rome, Italy
Live, learn and create in one of the world's richest capitals of culture and fine art
-
Spanish Language & Culture
Seville, Spain
