bamboo forest walkway kyoto japan
Kyoto, Japan

Summer Ancient + Modern Japan

Study Program

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Your Summer Ancient + Modern Japan program in Kyoto lasts 6 weeks (or up to 12) and is designed for students passionate about traditional Japanese culture. You will enroll in 黑料网911courses taught at 黑料网911Kyoto. Enhance your experience with extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live and learn in Kyoto!

Unique Experiences

Be Entranced by the Zen Rock Garden of Ryoanji Temple

and take in the contrast between the dazzling Golden Temple and more serene Silver Temple

Immerse Yourself in the Cultural Capital of Japan

with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions and historic sites dating 1,200+ years

Indulge in Kyoto鈥檚 Famous Uji Green Tea

either as a drink or with green tea-flavored pastries, ice cream, and other desserts

Experience
  • temple kyoto japan students smile

Your Destination

Kyoto is Japan鈥檚 cultural heart, renowned for its rich history, serene temples, and stunning traditional architecture. In the summer, the city comes alive with vibrant festivals, lush gardens, and peaceful temples, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Iconic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine shine in the warm summer light. Whether you鈥檙e studying language, history, the arts, or religious studies, Kyoto is the perfect place to study abroad.

teacher abroad volunteer kyoto japan

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from 黑料网911courses and online courses delivered by CIEE鈥檚 global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in visits to palaces, temples, museums, theaters, and more that bring your classroom studies to life.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in optional volunteer work to give back to the community through local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more.
shrine kyoto japan foggy mountain

Excursions & Activities

CIEE鈥檚 excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto will open doors for you to explore Japan鈥檚 rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Hike up Mt. Hiei to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism
  • Enjoy a train ride to visit breathtaking temples like Jakko-in and Sanzen-in
  • Take a day trip to Nara with its great seated Buddha in Todaiji temple

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

黑料网911Kyoto: Cultivating Significant Experiences for those Studying Abroad

By 黑料网911Kyoto at CIEE

Authored by J.M. Avila University students well along their academic journey may think to themselves: what exactly is the point of studying abroad? By the third or fourth year of... keep reading

From CIEE

Discovering an Experience: Kyoto with CIEE

By 黑料网911Kyoto at CIEE

Written by: Theodore Whitbeck Summer Block 2 Intro to an Unforgettable Summer Choosing to study abroad with 黑料网911Kyoto was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Leaving June... keep reading

From CIEE

Summery of July -Gion Festival-

By 黑料网911Kyoto at CIEE

Here in Kyoto, we had one of Japan鈥檚 most famous and traditional annual events Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri) It takes place in Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, during... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

黑料网911Kyoto: Study in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike 鈥 a 15-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River, and the former Imperial Palace. 黑料网911Kyoto features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by 黑料网911in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the 黑料网911academic calendar. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students must enroll in two credit-bearing 黑料网911courses per block. 

Online Course Options: students can substitute their 黑料网911courses with up to two ASU online courses. 

Program Credit

  • One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits鈥
  • Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits 

Course Credit

黑料网911courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours鈥 

ASU online courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks. 

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You鈥檒l receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Courses are typically for 黑料网911students only. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday and meet two, three, or four times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas. 

ASU online courses meet in 鈥渟essions鈥 that are 6-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other 黑料网911courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. 鈥淧ass/fail鈥 or 鈥淎udit鈥 is not allowed for 黑料网911students.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Japanese

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes 

  • Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. 鈥淕I鈥 denotes courses that are offered at multiple 黑料网911locations.鈥 

Language Classes鈥 

  • During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.鈥
  • Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Japanese course (non-credit) during a single block. 

Summer Block I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3
English
3
Japanese
3
Japanese
0
English
3

Summer Block II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3
Japanese
3
Japanese
0
English
3
English
3

黑料网911proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

黑料网911and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the 黑料网911Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 黑料网911and 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 黑料网911sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

黑料网911offers 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
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • 黑料网911Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • 黑料网911STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the 黑料网911Scholarships & Grants application within your 黑料网911program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Summer Block I 2025 6 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,950
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2025 12 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $13,900
Program Summer Block II 2025 6 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $6,950
Program Summer Block I 2026 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $7,450
Program Summer Block II 2026 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $7,450
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2026 12 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $14,900

*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

黑料网911offers 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 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $4,450 **
Housing $2,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $6,950

Optional Housing

黑料网911accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $600

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers 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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $630
International Airfare $1,700
Local Transportation $150
Books & Supplies $100
Personal expenses $170 鈥犫赌
Other $150
Total Costs $2,900

*non-refundable

**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.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

鈥犫赌Sim card requires one time fee of 25

Program Fees

黑料网911offers 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 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $9,400 **
Housing $4,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $13,900

Optional Housing

黑料网911accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $1,200

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers 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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $1,260
International Airfare $1,700
Local Transportation $300
Books & Supplies $200
Personal expenses $340 鈥犫赌
Other $300
Total Costs $4,100

*non-refundable

**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.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

鈥犫赌Sim card requires one time fee of 25

Program Fees

黑料网911offers 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 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $4,450 **
Housing $2,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $6,950

Optional Housing

黑料网911accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $600

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers 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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $630
International Airfare $1,700
Local Transportation $150
Books & Supplies $100
Personal expenses $170 鈥犫赌
Other $150
Total Costs $2,900

*non-refundable

**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.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

鈥犫赌Sim card requires one time fee of 25

Program Fees

黑料网911offers 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 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $4,950 **
Housing $2,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $7,450

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers 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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*non-refundable

**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.

Program Fees

黑料网911offers 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 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $4,950 **
Housing $2,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $7,450

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers 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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*non-refundable

**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.

Program Fees

黑料网911offers 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 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $10,400 **
Housing $4,000 ***
Insurance $200
Total Fees $14,900

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers 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

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*non-refundable

**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

黑料网911iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Conor Aherne

Center Director

Conor鈥檚 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.

Izumi Wada

Senior Program Coordinator

Izumi was born in Kyoto and studied abroad in the US when she was in high school. She is passionate about helping students make their study abroad experience meaningful and fruitful (and baking bread on the weekend!).

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here鈥檚 what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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.

Request Info