Video Game Design
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun discovering the creative and ancient streets of Kyoto.
Network
Meet new friends and artists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Master the basics of coding, use programming tools, and come home with a simple game you code and create yourself.
The Destination
Welcome to Kyoto, home of some of the world’s greatest video game franchises.
Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years, Kyoto is the both the center of traditional Japanese culture and a mecca for video gamers. Ancient architecture and serene landscapes blend with numerous gaming cafés and arcades, which host tournaments for new and classic games regularly. The International Manga Museum, featuring gaming titles, and the Nintendo Museum are perfect places to discover the artistic influences behind iconic video game universes. Super Mario, Zelda, Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy—just to name a few—all hail from Kyoto!
There are many remarkable experiences that await. The city boasts zen rock gardens, incredible views of surrounding hills, districts that feel like villages from another era, and 2000 temples and shrines. At restaurants, you can try some of the best traditional flavors the city has to offer, like ramen, sushi, and the most exclusive green teas. In Kyoto's mix of old and new, traditional and modern, you'll discover a city full of inspiration that you can channel into your game design.
Cultural Awareness
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.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Ritsumeikan Center for Game Studies
Excitement builds as you and your fellow Global Navigators step into the Ritsumeikan Center for Game Studies, a renowned hub for video game innovation spanning over three decades. This is the kind of place where all game designers and engineers spend their formative years, and it’s thrilling to imagine yourself following in their footsteps. Surrounded by retro games, experimental prototypes, and iconic titles, your curiosity and creativity soar.
Listening to academics share their expertise and chatting with current game design students, you feel inspired by their passion and insight. Their stories highlight the intersection of creativity, technology, and storytelling, offering a glimpse into the path from aspiring designer to professional developer. Hands-on time with the center’s prototypes sparks ideas for your own projects, making the experience both exciting and motivating.
This visit bridges your classroom coding work with real-world applications in game design. It deepens your understanding of what’s possible and gives you confidence to pursue a career in gaming, technology, or creative storytelling.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
The vibrant colors, interactive Power-Up Band challenges, and iconic characters at Super Nintendo World transport you straight into the heart of gaming culture. As the only Universal Studios park in the world to feature this exclusive attraction, it’s a dream destination for aspiring video game designers. Exploring Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country feels like stepping into the games you grew up loving, surrounded by castles, karts, and mystery blocks.
From racing through Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge to wandering Peach’s Castle and Donkey Kong’s jungle, every detail of this immersive world sparks your imagination. The creative energy of the park offers a fresh perspective on how storytelling, user interaction, and design can translate into unforgettable experiences. With your final projects just days away, you leave with a notebook full of ideas to incorporate into your prototypes.
As the sun sets on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you share insights, creative plans, and dreams for future games with your friends. Super Nintendo World leaves you inspired, motivated, and ready to turn your passion into reality.
Games Galore!
Last week, we visited Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, renowned for its contributions to game studies and its impressive archives. The students were thrilled to explore the extensive collection of games... keep reading
10 Benefits of Studying Abroad in High School
Get inspired by reading the top 10 benefits of studying abroad and why high school is the perfect time to consider it!
Why Go Abroad in High School to Explore STEM Careers?
Here's something you might not know: STEM students are the least likely to get to study abroad during college. With tightly packed schedules and tons of required courses, STEM majors... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 | |
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.