High School Abroad in Japan
The Take-Aways
Language Proficiency
Our program provides students with 150 language contact hours in just a few weeks.
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
College Readiness
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
The Destination
Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, and the pop-tech wonder of Tokyo — study, live, and learn in Japan for an unforgettable life experience.
Picture yourself in Japan:
Getting a feel for Japanese slang during lunch with new classmates. Finding your voice and a flair for performance during a night of karaoke with friends. Learning how to hand-roll sushi with your host mother or host father.
Whether you’re placed in Kyoto or Tokyo or the surrounding suburbs, you’ll discover the rich culture and history that Japan has to offer, both in class and through your own personal explorations. You’ll advance your Japanese language skills through intensive study and casual conversation, and build practical, real-world skills that will serve you in college and beyond.
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 Japan.
Orientation
Upon arriving in Japan with your fellow participants, you will be met by CIEE staff at Narita International Airport in Tokyo. As a group, you will travel into the heart of Tokyo where you will begin your three-day orientation. During orientation, you will participate in different activities and workshops focusing on a variety of themes – culture, language, academics, social norms, current events – all designed to best prepare you for your experience in Japan. Additionally, you’ll see some of the best that Tokyo has to offer!
Enjoy spending time in Japan’s most dynamic, exciting city! You’ll laugh over incredible food during group meals each evening, while getting to know CIEE staff and other participants. You and the other participants will do a bit of sightseeing before departing for your host community to spend a couple of days with your homestay before starting school.
Program Blogs
Family in Japan
You know that you’re with the right host family when you’re home away from home is with them. My fabulous host family, the Sakurayashiki family. Has from day one been... keep reading
Welcome to Japan
Traveling to Japan was so much fun! I started my journey at the Sacramento airport where I gave my parents and my dog Dodger a hug goodbye with some bonus... keep reading
Lost in Tokyo - Typhoon Edition
So my day started out as a fairly calm day. I had plans on meeting a few other exchange students in Shibuya at 12 to check out a cat cafe... keep reading
Sample Activities
Japan is a country of dramatic contrasts and a fascinating place to study. From the cutting-edge tech center of Tokyo to serene Zen gardens, the “Land of the Rising Sun” is rich in culture (both pop and traditional) as well as natural beauty. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit places that suit your taste: museums, anime or manga studios, kitschy cat cafés, imperial palaces, and famous shrines and temples. Nearly every Japanese town has at least one Buddhist temple, while if placed in Greater Kyoto you will have quick access to several hundred.
Whether you are in Greater Tokyo or Kyoto, all CIEE participants are only a bus or bullet-train ride away from a range of amazing destinations. You’ll have a whole year or semester to discover the country — on your own, with new CIEE friends, and with your homestay. Additionally, many Japanese high schools offer trips a few times throughout the academic year so you’ll likely be able to join classmates in exploring a new corner of the country!
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. For Fall 2021, local health and safety guidelines may not allow for overnight excursions or day trips. Participants will be updated as the program start date comes closer.
Dates & Fees
Eligibility
- Be in their 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling and between the ages of 15 and 17 at the time of the program start and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Please note High School Abroad participants are not authorized to volunteer, take jobs or seek employment during their stay
- Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- Have a minimum 1 academic year of formal Japanese (example: high school or college-level course)
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Full inclusions are found online.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2024 15 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,500 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 38 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 14 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Academic Year 2023 37 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,750 |
| Program Fall 2023 13 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,500 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.