Study Abroad in Osaka
College Study Abroad
Explore Osaka with CIEE
Experience “Japan’s Kitchen” when you study abroad in Osaka, a city known for its vibrant street life, friendly locals, and unforgettable food culture. Dive into buzzing neighborhoods like Dotonbori and Namba, sample local favorites from takoyaki to okonomiyaki, and explore historic landmarks like Osaka Castle alongside modern entertainment districts. Discover the city’s creative spirit through comedy, pop culture, and late-night energy, while gaining insight into everyday life in one of Japan’s most welcoming urban hubs. With its lively atmosphere and authentic charm, Osaka study abroad offers an immersive experience that’s as exciting as it is enriching.
While abroad, you may complete a full- or part-time internship in Osaka, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, retail, tourism, manufacturing, marketing, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Osaka with CIEE
Every CIEE Osaka study abroad and international internship program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Osaka, excursions may include:
- Day trips to nearby cultural hubs like Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe to experience temples, shrines, and historic landmarks
- Visits to Osaka Castle and surrounding parks to learn about Japan’s storied history and seasonal traditions
- Visiting 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
Academics in Osaka
CIEE Osaka
Study in a lively Japanese city celebrated for its welcoming spirit, bold food culture, and rich regional identity. Combine engaging academics with opportunities to explore historic landmarks, dynamic neighborhoods, and nearby cultural destinations throughout the Kansai region.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Osaka
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Osaka. As a major economic and commercial hub, Osaka offers a dynamic work environment shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship, and strong business culture. Blending traditional Japanese values with modern industry, the city provides a globally connected setting to gain hands-on experience and insight into local work culture. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Business Management + Administration
- Education + Training
- Hospitality + Tourism
- Information Technology
- Marketing, Sales + Service
Community Impact Initiative in Osaka
CIEE's Community Impact Iniative invites you to connect more deeply with your host city by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building meaningful relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to efforts that create lasting, positive change. Through these immersive, hands-on experiences, you’ll engage with your surroundings while supporting initiatives that matter most to your host community.
While in Osaka, your service work will align with broader initiatives focused on:
- Food Security
- Community Development + Public Health
- Youth Development + Education Initiatives
Osaka Study Abroad Programs
- Osaka, Japan
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Osaka, Japan
- Study Program
- Osaka, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
- Osaka, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
New Programs Coming in 2027
- Arts + Sciences
- Semester in Osaka
- Sustainable Smart Cities
- Business + Culture
- Engineering, Technology + Sciences
- Global Architecture + Design
- Language + Culture
Pocket Guide to Osaka
Currency
Japanese Yen
Spoken Languages
Japanese, English
Available Transportation
Subway, train, metro, bus
Famous Local
Osamu Tezuka – legendary manga artist known as the “God of Manga”
Climate
Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters
Airport
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Local Attraction
Osaka Castle – a historic landmark surrounded by expansive park grounds and seasonal cherry blossoms
Did you know?
Osaka Castle – a historic landmark surrounded by expansive park grounds and seasonal cherry blossoms
Social Norms
Osaka is known for its friendly, outgoing culture; locals are often more casual and expressive compared to other parts of Japan
What to Pack
Osaka is known for its friendly, outgoing culture; locals are often more casual and expressive compared to other parts of Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
Studying abroad in Osaka offers a dynamic mix of modern city life and rich cultural traditions. Known for its friendly atmosphere and incredible food scene, Osaka gives you a more laid-back, local feel while still being a major urban hub.
As an Osaka study abroad student, you’ll take engaging courses while exploring vibrant neighborhoods, trying famous street foods, and visiting nearby cultural sites like Kyoto. With its energy, accessibility, and unique character, Osaka is an exciting place to live, learn, and experience Japan.
While studying abroad in Osaka, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You can explore bustling districts like Dotonbori, visit historic sites such as Osaka Castle, or enjoy the city’s famous food scene, from takoyaki to okonomiyaki.
For a change of pace, take day trips to nearby cultural hubs like Kyoto or Nara. You can also experience local festivals, parks, and shopping districts – making every weekend an adventure while you study abroad.
As a tourist in any city, you’ll want to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Research the areas of Osaka you’ll be going to, ask friendly locals for their opinions, and learn basic Japanese phrases in case of emergency. Stay in well-lit areas at night, avoid walking alone once it’s dark, and always use official transportation services.
In the event of an emergency, remember that CIEE staff are available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839).
Read More: Student Safety Tips
Student life in Osaka is lively, social, and full of discovery. You’ll balance classes with exploring the city’s neighborhoods, trying local foods, and joining cultural events or student clubs.
Life in Osaka also offers opportunities to connect with both local and international students, whether at cafés, parks, or university events. With a mix of bustling city energy and laid-back hangouts, student life here is both exciting and immersive.
No, you don’t need to know Japanese to study abroad in Osaka. CIEE courses are offered in English, and English is commonly used in academic settings and major urban areas.
That said, learning some basic Japanese phrases can make daily life easier and help you connect more with the local culture, restaurants, and neighborhoods – but it’s not required to thrive during your time abroad.
The cost of studying abroad in Osaka varies depending on the program you choose and how long you plan to go abroad. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each of the individual Osaka study abroad programs.
For costs not included in the outlined fees, you'll want to consider factors surrounding your journey while abroad.
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships for studying abroad in Osaka. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Osaka to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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