First Year Abroad in Kyoto
Put your global education first! See Kyoto and start college at the same time on CIEE’s First Year Abroad program. Earn college credit during a 12-week semester, taking classes from a wide range of subject areas. Immerse yourself in the local Japanese culture by engaging in activities and excursions with first-year peers and other CIEE study abroad students.
Design your own experience by staying in Kyoto for the duration of your program, or by studying in multiple locations via our fall + spring combinations. Along the way, you’ll develop skills and knowledge you simply can’t get in a U.S. classroom. Broaden your horizons, create relationships that last a lifetime, and return home to complete your college degree with a newfound confidence.
Extend your international experience by combining this program with a second semester in Monteverde to complete a full academic year abroad.*
*Please note that students will be required to return to the U.S. during the break between semesters due to visa restrictions.
Start an application to view the academic year options available on this program.
Unique Experiences
Cultural Immersion
Experience Kyoto's rich heritage of ancient temples, traditional tea ceremonies, historic gardens, and the art of geisha
College Credits
Stay on track with your 4-year graduation requirements and earn up to 13 credits per semester
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Jump right into independence, far away from home, and bond with other U.S. and international students
The Destination
Japan’s most historic city remains the hub of traditional old-world culture — and a perfect place to study traditional art, architecture, and history. While Tokyo is the official capital of Japan, Kyoto is often called the country’s “cultural capital.” With a wealth of well-preserved historical and religious landmarks (including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Kyoto is like a living, open-air museum — and a perfect place for studying Japanese language and culture.
You’ll also find find modern shops selling snacks (for your fix of Poky and Matcha Kit Kat!) and noodle or curry houses catering to hungry students. Adventurous eaters will love Nishiki Market, which has over 100 food stalls and shops of its own. You can fill up on samples, skewers, gyoza dumplings, noodles-and-more-noodles, and pickled everything! Mountains of rice-cake mochi and other wagashi confections come in all shapes and colors. Go for a grilled baby octopus on a stick if you dare!
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 marginalized identities might encounter in Kyoto.
Students may study in Kyoto for a maximum of 12 weeks (fall or spring).
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and day-trips will be offered to immerse you in Japan’s culture and historical heritage. Each semester typically includes five day-trips or one overnight and three day-trips.
- Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and two Imperial Villas, where former emperors lived in high style.
- Climb to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, ascending Inari Mountain while passing through thousands of bright-orange torii gates.
- Explore the Kyoto International Manga Museum and its collection of 300,000 comic books! See manga-related exhibits and read any of the 50,000 manga on open shelves that you like.
- Feast your eyes at world-famous Nishiki Market, or sample traditional tofu, yuba, and saikyo-yaki — uniquely Kyoto-styled grilled fish.
- Go on an overnight excursion to the White Heron Castle in Himeji
- Visit the Atomic Dome, Peace Memorial Museum of Hiroshima, and explore the scenic beauty of Miyajima
- Visit the stunning Imperial Villas at Katsura – with its world-famous moon-viewing architecture – & Shugakuin, with gardens incorporating views of the foothills of Mt. Hiei & idyllic rice paddies
- Take a day-trip to Nara, the capital of Japan before Kyoto, with its massive bronze Buddha
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.
Housing & Meals
Housing
Commuting time from housing to CIEE Kyoto may be up to 70 minutes.
Homestays: Live with a Japanese family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
Residence Hall: Most students live in rooms with ensuite bathrooms including bath/shower facilities in a CIEE-maintained dormitory, either within the same building as CIEE Kyoto or in the immediate neighborhood. CIEE Kyoto’s student lounge offers opportunities for music and movie nights. With advanced notice, arrangements may permit a culturally enriching homestay with a local Japanese family. Priority will be given to those with some prior Japanese language skills.
Housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Students living in homestays have breakfast and either lunch or dinner at their homes. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules. Students are responsible for the remaining meals, either preparing them at home or eat in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Residence Hall: Dormitory 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.
Academics
First Year Abroad offers foundational college courses taught by CIEE local instructors to start your four-year college degree. We combine rigorous intro-level academic courses with unforgettable experiences outside the classroom to create a curriculum fostering academic, intercultural, and professional skills that help you succeed in college and the world beyond.
Our curriculum includes general education courses from major disciplines that offer you college credits to stay on track. Choose lecture and lab courses from the Arts and Humanities, World Language, Natural and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, as well as courses specifically designed to help you develop organizational, writing and study skills to thrive in college.
Course Information
For information about how these courses will be transferred back to Dean College, please refer to the course equivalency chart.
Visual and Performing Arts
Social Sciences
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
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:
- Host Family Community 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.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad (FYA) programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $24,800 | |
| Program Spring 2025 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $24,800 |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $24,800 | |
| Program Fall 2024 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $24,800 |
*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, you will pay your CIEE program fee (fee varies by location) and Dean College tuition and fees ($2,900 total for all locations) directly to Dean College.
Federal financial aid and state aid (Massachusetts residents only) is available through Dean College. Students applying for need-based financial aid from Dean College must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the FAFSA School Code for Dean College: 002144.
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.
Program Fee = $24,800
Total Fees = $24,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Program Fee = $24,800*
Total Fees = $24,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*CIEE Fees: $21,900; Dean College Fees: $2,900
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.
Program Fee = $24,800
Total Fees = $24,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Program Fee = $24,800*
Total Fees = $24,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*CIEE Fees: $21,900; Dean College Fees: $2,900
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
Get Started
1
Start a CIEE FYA Application
You’re one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! You need to apply and be accepted by both CIEE and Dean College to join FYA. Don’t worry! We’ll help you through the process!
2
Complete the Dean College FYA Application
You will receive an email with a unique link to your personalized Dean College application after completing your CIEE FYA application.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to the FYA program.