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Tokyo, Japan

Robotics Engineering

Summer '25 New Program!

STEM

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Discover the nuts and bolts of robotics engineering in the futuristic city of Tokyo. 

Spark your imagination for building robots in Japan’s innovative capital. Through hands-on classes, explore the basics of robotics and coding and learn about electrical components, circuits, chips, and microcontrollers. In just three weeks, build your own simple robot alongside other Global Navigators. In the end, present your robot and show off what it can do!

Visit world-class educational centers, witness life-size robots and tour innovative robotics companies that focus on addressing societal challenges, like labor shortages and care for the aging population. Investigate the social impact of robotics in daily life. 

Soak up the beauty of Japanese culture among glowing neon signs in Akihabara and futuristic skyscrapers, like Tokyo Tower. On weekend excursions, travel to other parts of Japan, like Kawagoe, a historic castle town established during the Edo period. In Tokyo, you’ll experience firsthand the robotics programming process and jumpstart your interest in a robotics career.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Experience the process of building a robot, grasp the basics of mechanical and electrical components as well as programming tools, and come home with the skills to program and assemble a fully functional robot.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and your own simple robot design.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication and leadership skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

The Destination
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The Destination

Welcome to Tokyo, the world capital of gizmos and gadgets. 

Imagine entire neighborhoods dedicated to different gadgets, robots serving guests at restaurants, and advanced vending machines all over. Embodying a high-tech spirit in every corner, Tokyo has long been known as a global powerhouse of innovation. Thanks to its focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in education, Japan is constantly driving us toward the future. The use of robots in medicine further highlights the country's positive technological advances, but robots also hold a special place in culture, art, and entertainment. In Tokyo, technology that makes everyday life easier (and more fun) abounds! 

Tokyo may be considered one of the world's most modern cities, but it wasn't always so. Historic landmarks like the Tsukiji Fish Market and Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, offer a glimpse of the more traditional side of Japan. Slurping ramen noodles, indulging in fresh sushi, and enjoying sweet mochi amongst popular landmarks like Shibuya Crossing and Shijuku garden is another must-have experience while exploring the Japanese capital. 

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 Tokyo. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at the hostel 

  • Hands-on learning with expert robotics instructors and engineers 

  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 

  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop 

  • Dinner at the hostel or in the community 

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  

  • Quality time with friends 

Housing

Hostel/hotel, same residence as other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

A Week of Discovery in Japan: First Impressions and Adventures

By Emily Sorensen at CIEE

After a week in Japan, our group of students are already brimming with stories and experiences that will last a lifetime. From mastering the basics of the Japanese language to... keep reading

From CIEE

A Blast From The Past

By Brooke Dawson at CIEE

Students had a busy second week! This weeks activities held a "blast from the past" theme as students got the chance to experience many traditional Japanese arts first hand. We... keep reading

From CIEE

Traditional Japanese Culture: The Tea Ceremony

By Carly Callen at CIEE

This week, students got the opportunity to attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony! Since I am a PL for group 4, this post (and the photos) will mainly showcase students... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

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Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Check out the coolest shops in the Ginza district or kitsch tech cafes—each one gives you a sneak peek into the future!

  • Visit SkyDrive, a Tokyo-based tech startup creating flying cars.

  • Pick out your favorite anime, manga, video games, and electronics in Akihabara, the center or Japanese otaku culture.

  • Explore local cafes that grow vegetables in-house through hydroponic technology, a method of growing plants in an artificial environment.

  • Discover Japan's many contributions to robotics and emerging technologies at Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. 

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. 

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.

  • Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.

  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee 

$25 

Optional College Credit Fee 

$150 

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 $6,750
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,750

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 Balance = $6,750

Total Fees = $6,750

Estimated 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.

See Scholarships

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 Balance = $6,750

Total Fees = $6,750

Estimated 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.

See Scholarships

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 Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Ready to change your life?

Request Info