Semester Intern + Study Abroad
Unique Experiences
Support tourism initiatives
focusing on promoting sustainability and ecotourism
Create and manage digital content
for social media platforms
Help organize live performance
or community art projects in Kyoto
Your Intern and Study Abroad Destination in Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s historic, culturally rich city, known for its serene atmosphere, unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, world-class temples and shrines like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari-taisha, charming tea houses and cafes, artisanal shopping in areas like Nishiki Market, and beautiful gardens and green spaces such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Philosopher’s Path.
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.
Program Highlights
Internship Placements: CIEE offers the largest inventory of internship placements that align with your career aspirations. Internships are capacity-limited and competitive. Placements are offered in English and Japanese. Students with higher levels of Japanese may have more internship opportunities available.
Elective Courses: Choose from in-person courses at CIEE Kyoto or online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Workshops: Enhance your resume and interview skills while immersing yourself in Japanese business culture through an internship and workshops that build practical skills, foster cultural competence, and expand your network.
Company Visits: Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Kyoto.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto will open doors for you to explore Japan’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Hike up Mt. Hiei to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Biwa
- Take a day trip to Hiroshima to see the Atomic Dome, Peace Park, and museum combined with a visit to the White Heron Castle in Himeji
- Stroll through the exquisite gardens of the Katsura and Shugakuin Imperial Villas, as well as the historic Imperial Palace itself
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Top 10 Japanese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Textbook Japanese is great and all, but if you really want to impress the locals, you need to know Japanese slang terms. These aren’t the phrases you’ll learn in class... keep reading
How to Study Japanese in Japan: 3 Easy Steps
If you’ve ever dreamed of ordering ramen like a pro, exploring ancient temples, or binge-watching anime without subtitles, studying Japanese in Japan is your next big adventure. With vibrant Tokyo... keep reading
Kyoto Article
Authored by Oscar Alvarez One of the most challenging parts of studying abroad is choosing the location to study in. I did one block in Argentina, another in Germany, and... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From apartments within 20 minutes of CIEE Kyoto to homestays a train ride away, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay within a 70-minute commute or a shared, twin room in an apartment or hotel located within 20 minutes of CIEE Kyoto. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
Select Housing: Includes a private single apartment located under 10 minutes from CIEE Kyoto. Apartments boast kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Residence Hall: Rooms are equipped with a single-burner range, microwave, and fridge kitchenette. Students can prepare simple in-house meals with basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore affordable restaurants in the immediate neighborhood or explore the city for a full range of cuisine and prices.
Homestays: Hosts provide two meals a day (breakfast & dinner) seven days per week.
Academics
CIEE Kyoto: Study in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike – a 10-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River, and the former Imperial Palace. CIEE Kyoto features three classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with optional 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.
Course Information
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
- Many CIEE courses are available in multiple CIEE locations. To help ensure you are able to enroll in the courses you need, some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location. However, regardless of your location, you will apply what you learn from the instructor and course materials in your location. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE” – open the syllabus to see the instruction location, if known.
Academic Projects
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Kyoto's work scene blends tradition and modernity and is driven by tourism, hospitality, and creative industries. Reflecting Japan's business culture, it emphasizes long working hours, hierarchical structures, teamwork, and loyalty. This unique mix honors Kyoto's heritage while embracing evolving sectors.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Information Technology
Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $12,950 |
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 | $9,456 ** |
| Housing | $3,000 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $12,950 |
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 | $1,800 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,700 |
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.
| Meals not included in program fee | $420 † |
| International Airfare | $1,700 †† |
| Local Transportation | $300 |
| Books & Supplies | $50 |
| Visa Fees | $22 ††† |
| Personal expenses | $235 †††† |
| Other | $100 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $2,827 |
*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 students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in dormss, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††visa application fee
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)
†††††Japanese National Health 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
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
Senior Program 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!).
Get Started
1
Utilize the Internship Search Tool
Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.
2
Start a Program Application
You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!
3
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
4
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.
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