tokyo kiyomizu dera street
Japan

High School Abroad in Japan

Tentative Dates

-

38 weeks

Priority Deadline

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Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Priority Deadline

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Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

$17,750

Priority Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Tentative Dates

-

37 weeks

Costs

$20,250

Priority Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Enroll Now

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Tentative Dates

-

14 weeks

Priority Deadline

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Tentative Dates

-

13 weeks

Costs

$17,750

Priority Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Enroll Now

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Program Overview
Improve your Japanese significantly as you live and study in this unique and wonderful culture.

A land of four main islands (and more than 6,000 smaller ones), Japan has beautiful natural views as well as vibrant mega-cities. It also boasts amazing cuisine such as sushi, ramen, and sweet curry; efficient and reliable public transportation; and friendly locals. On program, you'll experience life at a public or private high school, taking classes taught in Japanese. Fully immersed in teen life, lingo, and both traditional and pop culture, you’ll make huge strides in language proficiency before you know it. On weekends, enjoy the company of your homestay by doing things like playing games, eating delicious home-cooked food, and visiting local shrines and temples.

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
  • Giant red lantern hanging above crowd of people in Tokyo
  • kyoto spring river boats cherry blossoms
  • tokyo street with neon lights

The Destination

Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, and the hustle & bustle of Osaka—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 Kansai or the surrounding cities, 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 Kansai International Airport, Osaka. As a group, you will travel into the heart of Kyoto where you will begin your two- to 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 Kyoto 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.

Daily Life

Daily Life

"Since it was Spring Break and I had plenty of time, I decided that I should go to the 名古屋科学館 (Nagoya Kagakukan) Nagoya Science Museum..."

Read our blogs to learn more about daily life while attending a high school abroad.

View the program blog

Housing

Hotel or hostel during two- to three-day orientation in Kyoto, then carefully screened homestay in the Kyoto/Osaka area.

Local Support

Local Coordinator in country and CIEE support staff available 24/7

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Top 6 Differences Between Japanese High Schools and American High Schools

By High School Semester Abroad at CIEE

If you're considering high school study abroad in Japan, get ready for a unique experience that differs significantly from a typical teenager's life in the U.S. From the way students... keep reading

From CIEE

Behind the Scenes of a 留学生 (Ryuugakuse: Exchange Student)

By High School Semester Abroad at CIEE

“Ladies and gentlemen, Japan Airlines is pleased to welcome you to Tokyo. The local time is 22:34. Thank you for flying with us today, and we hope you fly with... keep reading

Family in Japan

By Kiyana P.

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

Activities
High school students in kimonos outside temple in Japan

Sample Activities

Japan is a country of dramatic contrasts and a fascinating place to study. From the historical center of Kyoto 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.

Wherever you are in Kansai, all CIEE participants are only a bus or 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.

What People Are Saying

  • "There are a few really key things that I find extremely different from American schools. First: People actually want to come to school. In America, everyone just wants to get out of school ASAP. In Japanese school, no one is upset about being at school. Second: The teachers are a lot closer to the students. I’ve never seen students interact with a teacher in such a way."

    Josef R., CIEE High School Abroad Alumnus

  • "I’m honestly not kidding when I say that I am a different person from the Alex that started this exchange program 10 months ago. I am deeply indebted to all the teachers and staff that accepted me into their school and have helped make this such a special and unforgettable experience. I did the best I could to express my feelings of gratitude and appreciation in Japanese, and I guess that I was successful."

    Alex M., CIEE High School Abroad Alumnus

  • "I learned things that aren’t taught in schools: what is really important to me, what I want out of life, and how to be more open-minded and confident."

    Sophie R., CIEE High School Abroad Alumna

  • "Everyone is shocked to hear that I studied abroad when I was 15 years old. I’m shocked myself — yet, quite frankly, I’m shocked that it isn’t more common to study abroad in high school. CIEE gave me an opportunity that most people have never heard of. The program transformed me into the person I am today, with impeccable people skills and the ability to adapt to any environment. I owe a huge thanks to the CIEE program. I am proud to be a CIEE alumnus!"

    Alex A., CIEE High School Abroad Alumnus

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
  • Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
  • While previous Japanese language experience is not required, please note that all classes will be taught in Japanese. If you do not have prior language experience, we encourage you to select the private school option which will provide you with additional language support. If you don’t select the private school option, you will be expected to start learning Japanese prior to your arrival on program. We suggest using an online tutoring service, downloading a language learning app, or taking a course at a local community college.
  • Students must be enrolled in a high school or an accredited online learning program

High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

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.

Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Academic Year 2025 38 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Spring 2026 15 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Spring 2025 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $17,750
Program Academic Year 2024 37 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $20,250
Program Fall 2025 14 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Fall 2024 13 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $17,750

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

Our Staff

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.

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