Tokyo, Japan

Japanese Language & Pop Culture

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Information for term Japanese Language & Pop Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 11 – Jul 8, 2023 (4 weeks)
$7,350

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 9 – Aug 5, 2023 (4 weeks)
$7,350

Overview

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Dive into Japanese language and pop culture.

Fascinated with anime and manga? Looking to learn the Japanese language or improve your proficiency? In this highly immersive program, you'll spend time each day after your language classes interacting with members of the community. You can explore areas rich in popular culture, such as Akihabara - the heartland of "otaku" culture where anime, manga, video games, and electronics abound - and youth fashion districts such as Shibuya and Harajuku. Tokyo has one-of-a-kind sights and sounds, with endless shopping opportunities, animal-themed cafes, and lively video game arcades. You'll spend two weeks in a hotel with other CIEE participants and two weeks with a Japanese family. Staying in a centrally-located hotel, you’ll get to know more about Tokyo. In your Japanese homestay, you will practice your language skills while sharing meals and taking part in local family routines and recreation. It all adds up to an experience you'll never forget. As you use and build on your new Japanese language skills, you'll be able to apply an insider's knowledge of Japan's cultural trends throughout your education, travels, and career.

The Take-Aways

  • LANGUAGE GROWTH AND CULTURAL PROFICIENCY

    Come home with a higher level of Japanese and a greater understanding of Japanese culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.

  • COLLEGE CREDIT

    Earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

  • LIFELONG SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS

    Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

  • HOURS OF INSTRUCTION WITH A NATIVE JAPANESE TEACHER

    60
  • COLLEGE CREDITS

    4
  • LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

    1

Location & Culture

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Explore the contemporary and traditional sides of Japan.

 Japan’s capital city is a fascinating mix of centuries-old tradition and cutting-edge technology. Teens are drawn to this vibrant center of pop culture known for its anime shops, video game arcades, karaoke, and more. Tokyo is also unique for its animal-themed cafes, such as cat cafes and even owl cafes. Shoppers will want to hit the Shibuya and Harajuku districts for trendy teen fashions and people-watching. The city is famed for its vibrant food scene, such as sushi, ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki, and more. Fans of fine dining will be happy to know that Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world, making it a global leader in innovative cuisine. During the summer, you may also see street stalls with food on sticks and shaved ice treats for snacks on the go. Along with skyscrapers and stores galore, you’ll also find peaceful public gardens throughout Tokyo, and historic landmarks and museums for quiet exploration.

Daily Life

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Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at your homestay or hotel 
  • Engaging Japanese classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers  
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay or hotel 

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

  • Housing

    Two weeks in a hotel with other Global Navigators; Two weeks at a carefully-screened homestay

  • 24/7 SUPPORT

    1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Activities

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Sample Activities

  • Visit sites of major historic and cultural importance. 
  • Learn to make authentic food and traditional specialties in Japanese cooking classes. 
  • Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. 
  • Try your hand at the elegant art of Japanese calligraphy. 
  • Experience Japanese drum (taiko). 
  • Meet with Japanese students and local teachers. 

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

Eligibility

  • All proficiency levels.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship Page.

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. More details about tuition inclusions can be found here.

Optional College Credit Fee

$150  Learn more 

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer Session I 2023 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 11, 2023 Jul 8, 2023

$7,350

Summer Session II 2023 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 9, 2023 Aug 5, 2023

$7,350

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Ready to change your life?