Summer Global Internship
Unique Experiences
Create 3D models and renderings
for an eco-friendly construction company
Curate and design exhibits
for a contemporary art gallery
Develop marketing campaigns
for a top Japanese beauty brand
Your Intern Abroad Destination in Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s historic cultural capital, celebrated for its stunning temples and shrines, unique blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, iconic landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji, world-class gardens and tea houses, charming narrow streets and traditional wooden townhouses, bustling markets and shopping districts, and breathtaking seasonal scenery. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Kyoto is the perfect place to study or intern abroad.
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.
Workshops: Participate in workshops to enhance your resume, develop your interview skills, gain cultural competence, and network in Japanese business culture.
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
- Take a trip to Ise home to the revered Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most important Shinto sites in the country
- Stroll through the exquisite gardens of the Katsura or Shugakuin Imperial Villas, as well as the historic Imperial Palace itself
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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
Welcome to CIEE Kyoto Center
Hello! I’m Cicely, current CIEE Kyoto RA. I live in one of the dorms, the Shicata Avenir building, and am here to help with any problems and concerns. I’m from... keep reading
Kickin’ it in Kyoto
Hey all, my name is Ethan Adams. I’m a Junior at Hope College (Michigan) who embarked on an adventure abroad with CIEE’s Ancient and Modern Japan (AMJ) program. Now, two... keep reading
Possibility, Purpose, and Peace: Lessons From Japan
Authored by Alyssa Y. Bullock It is rare for a place to teach you a lasting life lesson and even rarer still for a place to teach you three. Japan... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options, including shared apartments located within a 20-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: Includes a twin room in an apartment or hotel located within 20 minutes from CIEE Kyoto or a single room at a homestay within a 90-minute commute from CIEE Kyoto.
- Homestays: Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family.
- 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 20 minutes of CIEE Kyoto. Select housing requires an additional fee.
- 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 Plus Housing: A single room in an apartment located within 2 minutes of CIEE Kyoto. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
- Apartment: Apartments boast kitchenettes, high-speed Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms and laundry facilities.
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
- Shared Apartments: Meals are not included.
- Hotels: Meals are not included.
- Homestays: Breakfast and dinner are provided seven days per week.
Transportation
Commuting time from housing to your internship will depend on your internship provider's location.
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.
Course Information
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
- 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 2026 6 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*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.
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.
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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