Japanese Language & Culture in Osaka, Japan
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Live the Language
Have fun experiencing authentic immersion in the Japanese language and culture.
Network
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Jump up a level in Japanese. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Osaka, Japan's culinary capital.
Known for its vibrant energy and rich traditions, Osaka beautifully blends cultural heritage with innovative city life. Discover historic landmarks like Osaka Castle and Shitennō‑ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, before visiting Namba’s neon lights. As Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka comes alive in the summer with lively street festivals, bright waterfront districts, and endless opportunities to explore.
Nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen,” every meal is an adventure in the city. Grab a bite from a bustling street vendor, sip a matcha latte on your way to class, and taste your way through local food specialties like okonomiyaki or kushikatsu. Explore marine life of the Pacific Rim at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums and home to over 30,000 creatures. From iconic historical sites to neon‑lit neighborhoods, Osaka offers an unforgettable summer abroad.
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.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Explore the historic Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, to experience traditional architecture, local rituals, and a deeper connection to Osaka’s spiritual heritage
- Take a day trip to the ancient capital of Nara and explore Todai-ji Temple and meet the famous freely roaming deer in Nara Park
- Visit iconic temples and shrines like Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the historic Gion district to experience Japan’s cultural heritage firsthand
- Spend a day at Universal Studios Japan and see how storytelling, design, and technology work together to create immersive experiences
- Attend a live sumo tournament or a morning training session at a local stable for a firsthand look at Japan’s national sport
- Join interactive culinary workshops and learn to make local specialties like takoyaki
What Is a Study Abroad Ambassador? The CIEE Global Ambassador Program Explained
CIEE Global Navigator high school study abroad programs provide the adventure of a lifetime—and there’s no doubt they’re life-changing, too! Each program is intentionally designed to maximize learning and fun... keep reading
Meet the Educators Leading CIEE's 2026 High School Summer Abroad Programs
Founded in 2015, the CIEE Global Navigator Movement is transforming secondary education by making academically-aligned study abroad an integral part of the U.S. high school experience. CIEE high school summer... keep reading
Should My Teen Study Abroad? What High School Students Gain From Educational Travel
If you’ve traveled internationally, you know the thrill of stepping into a completely different way of living—new foods, new customs, new daily rhythms, and people who see the world through... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
- Please note: Japan maintains strict regulations regarding medications brought into the country. We encourage student families to consult with their doctor and research whether the student’s medications are legal and available in Japan.
- Due to the local cuisine and available food options, this program cannot accommodate allergies to fish and/or soybeans.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$250
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
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 |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2027 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $8,250 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2027 | Start Date | End Date |
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
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
Get Started
1
2
Connect with your Teachers or Parents
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.
You might also like
- Kyoto, Japan
- Language & Culture
Take your Japanese to new heights in the ancient and modern city of Kyoto.
- College Credit
- Homestay
- Language & Culture
Jump up a level in Japanese in the vibrant and trendsetting city of Tokyo.
- College Credit
- Homestay
- Osaka, Japan
- STEM
Bring your ideas to life in Osaka, Japan’s robotics hub.
- Group Housing