Culinary Arts & Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering the ancient capital of Japan and its eclectic food scene.
Network
Meet new friends and chefs. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Cook using traditional and modern Taiwanese culinary techniques. Build confidence as a future chef.
The Destination
Welcome to Kyoto, where modern manga and kawaii café culture meet timeless cooking traditions.
Kyoto is where Japanese history and modern life come together. For centuries, student travelers from all over the world have come to experience its stunning temples, traditional wooden houses, and exciting neighborhoods. It’s a city where ancient customs mix with today’s creativity, offering incredible food, sights, and a culture that pulses with energy and style.
In Kyoto’s bustling streets, manga and anime shops sit beside colorful arcades and photo booths. Local cafés serve matcha in every form, alongside kawaii (cute) sweets like mochi, parfaits, and fluffy matcha pancakes. Street food stalls tempt with crispy tempura, silky tofu, and fresh fruit mochi.
Every corner of Kyoto offers a new way to connect with beauty, tradition, and tasty Japanese dishes.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just Imagine all the fun you'll have!
- Stroll through Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest and capture the perfect photo beneath towering green stalks.
- Feed the polite, bowing deer at Nara Park and snap unforgettable photos with your new four-legged friends.
- Hunt for unique souvenirs and vintage treasures in Teramachi’s colorful thrift shops and bustling gift stalls.
- Create your own Japanese-style hand towel using traditional tie-dyeing techniques taught by local artisans.
- Feel the rhythm of Japanese culture during an energizing taiko drumming lesson alongside your friends.
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Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $6,950 |
| Total Fees | $6,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $6,950 |
| Total Fees | $6,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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