Semester in Tokyo
Unique Experiences
Visit Harajuku and Takeshita street
a vibrant hub of youth culture, quirky fashion scene, trendy shops, street food stalls, and Instagram-worthy cafes
Stroll through Akihabara
known as Tokyo’s “electric town” filled with electronics shops, arcades, and stores dedicated to anime and manga
Head to Asakusa and senso-ji temple
for a glimpse of Tokyo’s historic side and the city’s oldest temple
40.8 M
Residents
2,082 ft
height of Tokyo Skytree
226+
Michelin-starred restaurants
Your Destination
Tokyo is widely regarded as Japan’s cultural capital and one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It’s a city where art, fashion, technology, food, and pop culture converge. From the bustling streets of Shibuya and Harajuku to the peaceful gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo offers a perfect balance between modern urban life and serene traditional culture. The name Tokyo literally means "Eastern Capital" in English. With thousand-year-old temples just around the corner from the most modern skyscrapers, even the experienced traveler will find something to discover during their time in Tokyo.
The city is also a gateway to many natural attractions. Day trips to Mount Fuji, Nikko, and Kamakura offer students a chance to explore Japan’s beautiful landscapes, while activities like hiking, hot springs, and seasonal festivals are easily accessible. Tokyo’s public transportation system makes it convenient to travel within the city and beyond, providing students with endless opportunities to explore.
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 Tokyo.
Excursions & Activities
- Visit Kamakura, a historic coastal town known for its beautiful temples, shrines, and beaches
- Head to Hakone for stunning views of Mount Fuji, hot springs (onsen), and natural beauty where you can take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, ride the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views, and visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Explore Nikko and visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most beautifully decorated shrines dedicated to the Tokugawa shogunate
- Take a trip to Yokohama and walk along the waterfront at Minato Mirai, explore the Cup Noodles Museum, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest in the world
- Spend the day on Enoshima island where you can explore its scenic cliffs, visit the Enoshima Shrine, or relax at the beach
- Hike Mount Takao which offers several trails that lead to the summit, where it is rewarded with stunning views of Tokyo and even Mount Fuji on a clear day
- Explore Kawagoe, known as "Little Edo," a charming town just 45 minutes from Tokyo, where you can experience the atmosphere of Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868)
Projects
A for-credit internship allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company or non-profit organization within a variety of sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a regular classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience. Additional application materials and home school approval are required.
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
Top 6 Places to Explore While Studying in Japan
By: Helena Shimeles During my experience studying overseas in Tokyo I was exposed to an array of adventures, across Japan. Each destination I explored offered a unique blend of traditions... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Meals
CIEE Tokyo offers diverse housing options, from student dormitories to homestays, to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a student dorm or a homestay.
- Oberlin Student Dormitories: The student dormitories are newly built off-campus providing single rooms with kitchenette and private bathrooms. Students have access to study rooms, meeting rooms, a TV area, and laundry at the dorms. Dorms are conveniently located near public transportation routes and a free shuttle bus takes passengers to the J.F. Oberlin main campus in five-to-eight minutes.
If the Oberlin student dormitories are fully booked, CIEE also provides alternative accommodation at a private student dormitory which is located around 30 minutes by public transportation to the campus.
- Homestays: Homestays provide students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Japan's diverse culture. Students will gain firsthand insight into everyday life in Tokyo while spending quality time with their host families. The English proficiency of the host families varies, ranging from beginner to advanced (CEFR A2 to C1). It takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes by public transportation from the host family’s residence to the J.F. Oberlin main campus.
Meals
- Student Dormitories: Students have shared kitchen facilities to prepare meals or purchase food and drinks at local grocers.
- Homestays: Students who live with host families receive two meals daily (usually breakfast and dinner) from Monday to Sunday. The other meal and/or any snacks are the responsibility of the student. Students can make use of the kitchen space at the homestay.
Students who are staying for a full year are responsible for their meals during breaks between semesters.
Academics
J. F. Oberlin University is a private university located in Machida, Tokyo, founded in 1966. With a student population of approximately 10,000, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing liberal arts education. The academic structure includes faculties such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Management, and the College of Performing and Visual Arts. J. F. Oberlin University fosters a global outlook through its robust international exchange programs and its diverse student body from around the world.
The Semester in Tokyo Oberlin courses will be taught at the main campus in Machida, a little outside the city center in a traditional Japanese district.
Access to Machida campus is approximately 90 minutes commute by convenient public transportation from central Tokyo and CIEE Tokyo office and approximately 30 to 60 minutes from accommodations.
Course Information
J.F. Oberlin University
Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process. Download the brochure.
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the university and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required to enroll in a class.
- Culture & Identity
- Fieldwork in Japan
- Approaches to Japan
- Premodern History
- Japanese Aesthetics
- Jp Theatrical Arts
- Works of A. Kurosawa
- Smartphone Filmmaking
- Multiculturalism
- Issues and Debates
- Modern Cultural History
- US-JP Exchanges
- Japanese Cinema
- History
- Multiculturalism
- Multilingualism
- Gender Representation
In cases where courses require a certain level of Japanese proficiency, students may be unable to take them if they do not meet that level. Students may also apply for the Chinese language courses, if qualified.
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
- 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 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
*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 = $14,956**
Housing = $4,500***
Insurance = $194
Visa Fees = $0
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
*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.
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
Brendan Delahunty
Center Director
Brendan has been in Tokyo/Japan for more than 25 years in total including serving as President and Representative Director at Pearson Education Japan and STH Japan.
Saya Nishina
Director of Operations
Saya gained extensive experience in the language education industry, working in various departments including sales/marketing, human resources, academic affairs, new business development, and international operations in Japan for over 20 years.
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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