kyoto skyline buildings lit up
Kyoto, Japan

Ancient + Modern Japan

Study Program

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Explore the dynamics of the Japanese language and culture in one of the most famous historical cities in the world. As the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto remains the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture. Students will study the Japanese language and select courses in English at CIEE Kyoto on Japanese history, religion, media, and more. All classes are delivered by CIEE and complemented by co-curricular activities and excursions in and beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

BE ENTRANCED BY THE ZEN ROCK GARDEN OF RYOANJI TEMPLE

Take in the contrast between the dazzling Golden Temple and the more serene Silver Temple; stroll the Philosopher’s Walk.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE “CULTURAL CAPITAL” OF JAPAN

Soak in Kyoto’s depth with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions dating back more than 1,200 years.

ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUINITY

Using skills gained through CIEE language and culture courses.

17

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES WITHIN KYOTO

1,200+

NUMBER OF YEARS KYOTO WAS JAPAN’S CAPITAL

30+

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Experience
  • kyoto students abroad hand heart
  • japan students visit shrine abroad

Your Destination

Kyoto is located in the Kansai region in the western part of Honshu island – Japan’s largest island. The cities of Osaka, Kobe, and Nara – which are also must-visit destinations in Japan – are nearby and easily accessible by train. Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and was formally called “Heian-kyo,” which literally means, “The Capital of Peace.” While today Tokyo is the official capital of Japan, Kyoto is often called the country’s “cultural capital,” for its preservation of numerous cultural, religious, and artistic sites and traditions. Kyoto provides an ideal environment for students to immerse themselves in the Japanese language and culture.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Kyoto.

The Culture

kyoto students abroad temple

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Take a walk through the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, where emperors of old resided 
  • Shop for traditional Kyoto sweets, pickles, and other goodies at Nishiki Market 
  • Travel to the summit of Mt. Hiei to view all of Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and Enryakuji Temple 
  • Visit the nearby city of Nara, home of Nara deer park, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine
kyoto japan students classroom leanring

PROJECTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, OR INTERNSHIPS

CIEE Kyoto seeks to foster an urban community of learners that is respectful of its surroundings and proactively engages with individuals, community groups, and institutions. Orientation will include an introduction to the community resources and opportunities to give back. Cultural activities and co-curricular activities, such as volunteering, attendance in local events, and engagement with peers at local institutions will provide opportunities for students to strengthen their Japanese language and cultural proficiency, better understand Japanese social institutions, and help cultivate a positive and mutually respectful relationship between CIEE and its community partners.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Abroad in Japan: Day in Osaka

By CIEE Kyoto at CIEE

Authored by Sarah Vu Want an amazing to stop by in the Kansai area while traveling Japan? Well yes, you must stop by Osaka if you’re visiting Japan. There is... keep reading

From CIEE

AMJ Adventures ― Hiroshima Part 2

By CIEE Kyoto at CIEE

Authored by Thalo Campbell This is the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph. It was designed by Kenzo Tange to resemble the style of ancient Japanese houses to shelter the souls of... keep reading

From CIEE

AMJ Adventures ― Hiroshima Part1

By CIEE Kyoto at CIEE

Authored by Thalo Campbell 初めまして、皆さん~。Hello everyone, I’m Thalo Campbell. I’m in the Spring Ancient and Modern Japan (AMJ) program here at CIEE Kyoto, although by the time this is posted... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Ancient + Modern Japan program allows students to gain in-depth insight into the language and culture of Japan through coursework in English at CIEE Kyoto. Students take five courses per semester and incorporate visits to palaces, temples, museums, theaters, and more, into their academics. 

CIEE Kyoto is conveniently located in the center of Kyoto with easy access to the city’s comprehensive train and bus networks. CIEE Kyoto serves as a home base for students and is a safe zone for them to learn, grow, communicate, and collaborate.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students select 5 CIEE elective courses.

Program Credit

Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Courses are designed and delivered by CIEE and adhere to standards and expectations consistent among U.S. higher education institutions. Students have ample opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through interacting with local students and communities. Classes will be scheduled Monday through Friday with possible weekend volunteer work and excursions. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students will play an active role in their own education; group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors are expected. The grading system is comprised of classroom participation, projects, oral and written presentations, research, and essays.

Class Format

Courses taught at CIEE Kyoto are typically exclusive for CIEE students, with attendance by students from partner Shiga University when appropriate. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two or three times per week, with the rare once-a-week seminar, and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required for co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

Elective courses: Students are graded on exams, homework, research projects and presentations, participation, and attendance. Instructors may assign exams, quizzes, research papers, and individual and group oral presentations or projects. Language classes: Student are assessed based on daily homework and quizzes, written and oral unit tests, and written and oral midterm and final exams. U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and Japanese

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2025 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,450
Program Fall 2025 15 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $21,450
Program Fall 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,850

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,456**

Housing = $5,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,575

International Airfare = $1,600††

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280†††

Other = $100††††

Total Costs = $3,955

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

††††mandatory national insurance

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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,456**

Housing = $5,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,575

International Airfare = $1,600††

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280†††

Other = $100††††

Total Costs = $3,955

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

††††mandatory national insurance

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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,856**

Housing = $5,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,575

International Airfare = $1,600††

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $280†††

Other = $100††††

Total Costs = $3,955

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

††††mandatory national insurance

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

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.

Izumi Wada

Student Life Coordinator

Izumi was born in Kyoto and studied abroad in the US when she was in high school. She is passionate about helping students make their study abroad experience meaningful and fruitful (and baking bread on the weekend!).

Natsuki Kwapong

Student Life Coordinator

Natsuki previously managed in retail, has a loving family of two sons and, in her spare time, she likes to work out and watch Netflix. She looks forward to welcoming you all to Kyoto!

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

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 applying to this program.

Request Info