Summer Ancient + Modern Japan
Unique Experiences
BE ENTRANCED BY THE ZEN ROCK GARDEN OF RYOANJI TEMPLE
when you stroll the Philosopher's Walk, paying special attention to the dazzling Golden Temple and serene Silver Temple
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE “CULTURAL CAPITAL” OF JAPAN
where rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions date back 1,200+ years
INDULGE IN KYOTO’S FAMOUS “UJI” GREEN TEA
which can be enjoyed as a drink or in flavored pastries, ice cream, and other desserts
17
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES WITHIN KYOTO
1,200+
NUMBER OF YEARS KYOTO WAS JAPAN’S CAPITAL
30
NUMBER OF MINUTES BY TRAIN TO REACH NEARBY OSAKA, KOBE, AND NARA
Your Destination
Dating back to 794 AD, Kyoto has been the symbolic and imperial capital for more than 1,000 years. Widely acknowledged for its cultural legacy, Kyoto is a dynamic entrepreneurial hub and home to the world’s first Manga Museum, just minutes from the CIEE Kyoto Center.
Imagine a “cultural iceberg” stretching over a thousand years deep, where residents embrace traditional societal norms of harmony through mutual respect, cooperative efforts, helping others, and a mindful “reading of the air” (figuring out problems without having to ask). Now imagine exploring Kyoto in many of its deeply cultural traditions, from its synergistic Buddhist and Shinto religions to its artistic aesthetic gardens to its highly refined textile, pottery, and arts. Kyoto residents appreciate visitors who show sincere interest in Japanese (and uniquely Kyoto) culture. Friendships will blossom like the cherry trees along the Kamogawa river that flows gently through the city.
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
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Ample activities and day trips will enliven your life in Kyoto and its surrounding cultural destinations. Sample excursions include:
- A hike up Mt. Hiei (cable car/ropeway and bus trip are easier options!) to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji – the head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism – with vistas of Lake Biwa and the whole Kyoto valley.
- A one-car train ride north of town to Kurama or a bus ride to nearby Ohara village, with two breathtaking temples (Jakko-in and Sanzen-in), after a hot footbath, traditional meal, or relaxing hot spring dip.
- A day trip to Nara – Japan's capital before Kyoto – to visit Tōdai-ji Temple (home to a 500-ton sculpture of the Buddha), Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine (home to thousands of stone lanterns), and Deer Park (where animals will "bow" in thanks as you offer the deer biscuits).
- A walk through Kyoto's exquisite gardens of two Imperial Villas – Katsura & Shugakuin – and of the historical Imperial Palace itself. You can also hear the squeaking "Nightingale Floors" as you walk through Nijo Castle (after crossing its moat, of course!).
- Each block includes two day trips.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture, and sights.
PROJECTS
Volunteering. Give back and create a deeper connection to Kyoto. Opportunities are being developed for students to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more. As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
Program Blogs
CIEE Kyoto: Cultivating Significant Experiences for those Studying Abroad
Authored by J.M. Avila University students well along their academic journey may think to themselves: what exactly is the point of studying abroad? By the third or fourth year of... keep reading
Discovering an Experience: Kyoto with CIEE
Written by: Theodore Whitbeck Summer Block 2 Intro to an Unforgettable Summer Choosing to study abroad with CIEE Kyoto was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Leaving June... keep reading
Summery of July -Gion Festival-
Here in Kyoto, we had one of Japan’s most famous and traditional annual events Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri) It takes place in Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, during... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options, including shared apartments located within a 10-minute commute of CIEE Kyoto. Our housing options are conveniently located within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, shops, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: A twin room in an apartment or hotel located within 10 minutes from CIEE Kyoto.
- Shared Apartments: Apartments boast kitchenettes, high-speed Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, and laundry facilities.
- Hotels: Hotels feature high-speed Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, mini-fridges, televisions, shared desk space, shared laundry facilities, and a weekly cleaning service.
Select Housing: A single room in an apartment or hotel located within 10 minutes of CIEE Kyoto. Select housing requires an additional fee.
- Shared Apartments: Apartments boast kitchenettes, high-speed Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms and laundry facilities.
- Hotels: Hotels feature high-speed Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, mini-fridges, televisions, shared desk space, shared laundry facilities, and a weekly cleaning service.
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.
MEALS
- Shared Apartments: Meals are not included.
- Hotels: Meals are not included.
Academics
Students take two credit-bearing courses per summer block. This program provides opportunities to enroll in courses from a variety of academic tracks. Students will learn the intercultural skills needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
Course Information
Course Notes
- 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.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Japanese course (non-credit) during a single block.
Summer Block I 2025
Summer Block II 2025
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 & 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
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
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 Summer Block I 2025 6 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $6,950 | |
| Program Summer Blocks I, II 2025 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $13,900 | |
| Program Summer Block II 2025 6 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $6,950 |
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 = $4,450**
Housing = $2,000***
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $6,950Estimated 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 = $630†
International Airfare = $1,700
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $100
Personal expenses = $170††
Other = $150
Total Costs = $2,900Financial 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.
*non-refundable
**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.
††Sim card requires one time fee of 25
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 = $9,400**
Housing = $4,000***
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $13,900Estimated 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 = $1,260†
International Airfare = $1,700
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $200
Personal expenses = $340††
Other = $300
Total Costs = $4,100Financial 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.
*non-refundable
**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.
††Sim card requires one time fee of 25
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 = $4,450**
Housing = $2,000***
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $6,950Estimated 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 = $630†
International Airfare = $1,700
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $100
Personal expenses = $170††
Other = $150
Total Costs = $2,900Financial 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.
*non-refundable
**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.
††Sim card requires one time fee of 25
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
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
1
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.
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