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Is this program right for you?

Are you looking for a different kind of program in Japan? A program that allows U.S. students to sit alongside Japanese students in over 150 courses taught in English in addition to attending intensive Japanese language training at a famous university in downtown Tokyo?

The CIEE Study Center at Sophia University is designed to provide students with superior cross-cultural and language training by way of intensive Japanese language course work, offering a range of courses in various disciplines, a managed homestay program, and providing on-site staff to support the students.

Program Snapshot

  • Intensive Japanese language courses for all levels; wide range of courses taught in English; guest lectures; study with Japanese and international students
  • Opportunities to live with a local Japanese family or in a dorm with Japanese students, young professionals, and international students
  • Diverse cultural program with regional site visits and educational activities, including historical tours, insightful lectures, and hands-on workshops; overnight excursion to Hiroshima; cultural reimbursement program

Subject Areas

  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Business
  • Economics
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Japanese Language
  • Japanese Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Religion
  • Sociology
  • Theology

About Tokyo

Contemporary Japan is a land of intrigue. This is a country that has mastered the ability to balance both ancient traditions and ultra-modern convenience. Where else is it possible to participate in a traditional tea ceremony against a backdrop of suburban sprawl, which contains some of the largest corporations in the world? Tokyo, Japan’s capital and economic hub, is a shining example of how old traditions and new high-tech culture meld to create one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Where You'll Study

Sophia University

Sophia University, a private Jesuit institution, is one of the preeminent universities in Japan with over 10,000 students from around the world. CIEE students take courses through the Faculty of Liberal Arts. Approximately two-thirds of the students in this faculty are Japanese, and more than 40 nationalities are represented on campus. Sophia’s Yotsuya campus includes a library, computer labs, faculty and administrative offices, classrooms, and sports grounds. CIEE has an office on campus that provides support to CIEE students studying at Sophia University.

Thoughts From Abroad

Japan is a country full of amazing contrasts between old and new, and Tokyo is truly one of the world’s most energetic and fascinating cities. In addition to being the economic and political heart of Japan, Tokyo carefully balances its present-day modernity with its traditional past. This provides a landscape in which, in a single day, one can see a kimono-clad woman talking on a cell phone, an old man selling baked yams from his homemade cart, thousands of “salarymen” rushing through the crowded web of Tokyo’s train network, and a 300-year-old shrine in the middle of a shopping district.

The CIEE Study Center at Sophia University is designed to appeal to a wide variety of students who are offered a full selection of elective courses taught in English. The language program is designed to accommodate all levels of Japanese, and CIEE organizes activities that allow students to learn firsthand about Japanese education, politics, and society.

— Michelene Guertler, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Michelene Guertler, Resident Director, received her B.A. in Communications from DePaul University and her M.A. in International and Intercultural Management Degree at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. Since 1995, she has been living in Japan where she has held various professional positions, such as serving as an assistant language teacher in the JET program, an English language curriculum coordinator, and a study abroad coordinator for Japanese university students studying in America.

Dr. David Slater, Faculty Advisor, is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Sophia University. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Dr. Slater’s professional interests include issues surrounding the semiotics of city space, class, and urban culture. Dr. Slater participates in the CIEE orientation and as a guest lecturer.

Hiroko Watanabe, Program Coordinator, has a B.A. in International Studies with a minor in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Hiroko provides administrative support and serves as the liaison to Sophia University.

Ayako Matsuno, Housing Coordinator, graduated with a B.S. in English Literature and Language from Tokyo Kasei University. She has many years of experience working with overseas students, including homestay programs in New York. Ayako coordinates homestay placements and is the liaison with staff at the private dormitories.

Rie Ayuzawa, Housing Assistant, graduated from Hosei University with a B.A. in Business Administration and studied English in the United Kingdom. She has also studied abroad at Duke University. Rie has worked as a coordinator for international students in the United Kingdom, as well as organized study abroad programs for Japanese and foreign students for many years.

Recommended Credit

semester: 16 semester/24 quarter hours
academic year: 32 semester/48 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 3.0
  • Sophomore standing and above
  • 1 college-level Japanese language course recommended

Program Dates

Fall 20099/15/2009 - 2/3/2010
Academic Year 2009-109/15/2009 - 8/1/2010
Spring 20103/23/2010 - 8/1/2010
Calendar Year 20103/23/2010 - TBA

Application Deadlines

Fall 20093/15/2009
Academic Year 2009-103/15/2009
Spring 201010/1/2009
Calendar Year 201010/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200921 weeks
mid-September - early February
Academic Year 2009-1042 weeks
mid-September - late July
Spring 201021 weeks
mid-March - early August
Calendar Year 201042 weeks weeks
mid-March - early February

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $18,500
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.  

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $1,700 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$14,426
    Housing and most Meals$4,000
    Total$18,500

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.  



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Additional Meals$650
    Local Transportation$300
    Books and Supplies$300
    Personal Expenses$3,500
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Total$6,300


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $33,300
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Housing for academic year students does not include housing or housing support for the interim break (approx. February through late March). Students are expected to travel in Japan, return home to the U.S. or locate alternative housing during this period.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $1,700 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$25,226
    Housing and Most Meals*$8,000
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$33,300

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Housing for academic year students does not include housing or housing support for the interim break (approx. February through late March). Students are expected to travel in Japan, return home to the U.S. or locate alternative housing during this period.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Additional Meals$1,300
    Personal Expenses**$8,500
    Books and Supplies$600
    Local Transportation$600
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Total$12,550

    **This includes an estimated additional $1500 for expenses related to the interim break for housing, meals, and personal expenses.


  • Spring 2010 $18,800
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass to get to/from classes), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $1700 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$14,726
    Housing and Most Meals$4,000
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$18,800

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass to get to/from classes), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Personal Expenses$3,500
    Books and Supplies$300
    Local Transportation$300
    Additional Meals$650
    Total$6,300


  • Calendar Year 2010 $35,800
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass to get to/from classes), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $1700 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$27,726
    Housing and Most Meals$8,000
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$35,800

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass to get to/from classes), most meals, orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Personal Expenses$7,000
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Local Transportation$600
    Books and Supplies$600
    Additional Meals$1,300
    Total$11,050


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.