High School Abroad in Japan
Improve your Japanese significantly as you live and study in this unique and wonderful culture.
A land of four main islands (and more than 6,000 smaller ones), Japan has beautiful natural views as well as vibrant mega-cities. It also boasts amazing cuisine such as sushi, ramen, and sweet curry; efficient and reliable public transportation; and friendly locals. On program, you'll experience life at a public or private high school, taking classes taught in Japanese. Fully immersed in teen life, lingo, and both traditional and pop culture, you’ll make huge strides in language proficiency before you know it. On weekends, enjoy the company of your homestay by doing things like playing games, eating delicious home-cooked food, and visiting local shrines and temples.
The Take-Aways
Language Proficiency
Our program provides students with 150 language contact hours in just a few weeks.
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
College Readiness
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
The Destination
Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, and the hustle & bustle of Osaka—study, live, and learn in Japan for an unforgettable life experience!
Picture yourself in Japan:
Getting a feel for Japanese slang during lunch with new classmates. Finding your voice and a flair for performance during a night of karaoke with friends. Learning how to hand-roll sushi with your host mother or host father.
Whether you’re placed in Kansai or the surrounding cities, you’ll discover the rich culture and history that Japan has to offer, both in class and through your own personal explorations. You’ll advance your Japanese language skills through intensive study and casual conversation, and build practical, real-world skills that will serve you in college and beyond.
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 Japan.
Orientation
Upon arriving in Japan with your fellow participants, you will be met by CIEE staff at Kansai International Airport, Osaka. As a group, you will travel into the heart of Kyoto where you will begin your two- to three-day orientation. During orientation, you will participate in different activities and workshops focusing on a variety of themes—culture, language, academics, social norms, current events—all designed to best prepare you for your experience in Japan. Additionally, you’ll see some of the best that Kyoto has to offer!
Enjoy spending time in Japan’s most dynamic, exciting city! You’ll laugh over incredible food during group meals each evening, while getting to know CIEE staff and other participants. You and the other participants will do a bit of sightseeing before departing for your host community to spend a couple of days with your homestay before starting school.
Program Blogs
A Guide to Studying in Japan in High School
Post written by CIEE Global Ambassador Gavin Freese who is currently participating in CIEE’s High School Abroad Program in Japan for the academic year. In this post, Gavin expresses how... keep reading
Top 6 Differences Between Japanese High Schools and American High Schools
If you're considering high school study abroad in Japan, get ready for a unique experience that differs significantly from a typical teenager's life in the U.S. From the way students... keep reading
Behind the Scenes of a 留学生 (Ryuugakuse: Exchange Student)
“Ladies and gentlemen, Japan Airlines is pleased to welcome you to Tokyo. The local time is 22:34. Thank you for flying with us today, and we hope you fly with... keep reading
Sample Activities
Japan is a country of dramatic contrasts and a fascinating place to study. From the historical center of Kyoto to serene Zen gardens, the “Land of the Rising Sun” is rich in culture (both pop and traditional) as well as natural beauty. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit places that suit your taste: museums, anime or manga studios, kitschy cat cafés, imperial palaces, and famous shrines and temples. Nearly every Japanese town has at least one Buddhist temple, while if placed in Greater Kyoto you will have quick access to several hundred.
Wherever you are in Kansai, all CIEE participants are only a bus or train ride away from a range of amazing destinations. You’ll have a whole year or semester to discover the country — on your own, with new CIEE friends, and with your homestay. Additionally, many Japanese high schools offer trips a few times throughout the academic year so you’ll likely be able to join classmates in exploring a new corner of the country!
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.
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- While previous Japanese language experience is not required, please note that all classes will be taught in Japanese. If you do not have prior language experience, we encourage you to select the private school option which will provide you with additional language support. If you don’t select the private school option, you will be expected to start learning Japanese prior to your arrival on program. We suggest using an online tutoring service, downloading a language learning app, or taking a course at a local community college.
- Students must be enrolled in a high school or an accredited online learning program
High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 38 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 15 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $17,750 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 37 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $20,250 |
| Program Fall 2025 14 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 13 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $17,750 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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.