Summer in Tokyo (Sophia University)

Tokyo, Japan

Study Program

Select a Term...

Tentative Dates

Jun 24 - Jul 19, 2026

4 weeks

Costs

$5,750 See Full Breakdown

Credit

4 semester hours

6 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.8 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

February 15, 2026

Request Information

Dates

Jun 26 - Jul 24, 2025

4 weeks

Costs

$5,450 See Full Breakdown

Credit

4 semester hours

6 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.8 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Your Summer in Tokyo program lasts 4 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will choose from courses taught in-person at CIEE's academic partner, Sophia University. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live and learn in Tokyo!

Tokyo_river_lake and Japanese temple.jpg

Unique Experiences

See the Latest Fashion Trends

in world-renowned fashion districts such as Harajuku and Ginza

Learn about Traditional Japanese Culture and Spirituality

at historical site such as Meiji-Jingu Shringe and Sensō-ji Temple

Take a Walk through Akihabara's Electric Town, Heartland of "Otaku" culture

where anime, manga, video games, and electronics abound

Your Destination

Tokyo is Japan’s energetic capital, celebrated for its vibrant summer festivals, scenic cityscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The city comes alive in the summer with colorful fireworks displays, lively matsuri (traditional festivals), buzzing street food stalls, and open-air events in parks and neighborhoods. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Tokyo is the perfect place to study abroad.

Program Highlights

Academic Courses: Choose from host institution courses that align with your academic major.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Cultural Activities: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.

Excursions & Activities

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

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Head to the ballpark to see how baseball is enjoyed Japanese style 
Tour Asakusa and getting a glimpse into traditional Tokyo with the historic Senso-ji Temple and its surrounding Nakamise shopping street
Visit the "Electric Town" of Akihabara, heaven for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and anime/manga fans

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.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

How to Study Abroad in Japan: 4 Simple Steps

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Japan is an extraordinary country – one of the oldest in the world – and it will surprise and delight you at every turn. If you choose a Japan study... keep reading

japanese slang phrases words study abroad

From CIEE

Top 10 Japanese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Textbook Japanese is great and all, but if you really want to impress the locals, you need to know Japanese slang terms. These aren’t the phrases you’ll learn in class... keep reading

From CIEE

How to Study Japanese in Japan: 3 Easy Steps

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’ve ever dreamed of ordering ramen like a pro, exploring ancient temples, or binge-watching anime without subtitles, studying Japanese in Japan is your next big adventure. With vibrant Tokyo... keep reading

Housing & Meals

Housing

��911Tokyo provides convenient housing to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. All housing is within walking distance of train stations, granting you easy access to Tokyo’s numerous sites and attractions through one of the most efficient and comprehensive transportation networks in the world.    

Standard Housing: Includes a double room at a hotel with a private bathroom. Hotels are located within the Greater Tokyo area. The commute time to campus is approximately 40 to 60 minutes. &�Բ��;

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.

Meals

Students are responsible for their own meals. Tokyo boasts an amazing array of restaurants and eateries to satisfy any palate and diet.    

Housing

Double hotel room (single room pictured)

Meals

Yuba Teishoku (a meal of tofu skin)

Academics

��911Tokyo: Study in Chiyoda City, a special ward in the heart of Tokyo. ��911Tokyo features a student lounge, a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

Sophia University: Sophia University was founded by Jesuits in 1913, and today, is one of the leading universities in Japan. It welcomes more than 13,000 students, including international students from more than 90 countries. Located in central Tokyo, the Yotsuya campus includes a library, computer labs, faculty and administrative offices, classrooms, and sports grounds. &�Բ��;

GPA

2.8

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 ��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 ��911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students enroll in two 2-credit Sophia University courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 4 U.S. semester/ 6 quarter credits

Course Credit

Sophia University Courses: 2 U.S. semester/3 quarter credits; 23-24 contact hours

Academic Culture

��911students will join approximately 100-160 local and international students from a variety of backgrounds and educational areas to participate in 2 courses during the term. Applicants will be placed on a first-come-first-served basis  

The typical course schedule consists of daily 100-minute class sessions Monday through Friday. Attendance and daily academic participation are graded by the instructors with expectations that students will thoroughly engage with required materials and homework both in and out of class. &�Բ��;

Class Format

Classes are in-person and are lecture or discussion-based seminar formats. Instructors are approachable and willing to discuss class material and concerns outside of course periods; however, the course's accelerated nature means it is recommended to contact them beforehand to set up meetings. Students are expected to commit at least 100 minutes outside of class to prepare for each course meeting. The Sophia University uses its proprietary LMS system, Loyola, for course registration and management, but uses Moodle for individual course management on a day-to-day basis. &�Բ��;

Grading

Sophia University courses are graded using a standard A-F scale, and assessments are based on in-class participation, exams, short form responses, long form essays, and individual or group projects. Attendance is compulsory in Host Institution classes. Student absences are closely tracked and significant absences impact student abilities to complete the courses. &�Բ��;

Language of Instruction

English

Course Information

SOPHA UNIVERSITY SUMMER SESSION IN EAST ASIAN STUDIES COURSES

Course information may be . &�Բ��;

The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through Sophia University’s Summer Session in East Asian Studies program and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required or recommended to enroll in a class.

Education in Japan
Global Sustainability Outlook and Practice in Japan
Japanese Literature and the City
Japanese Theatre
Sado, the Way of Tea and Japanese Culture
Food and Social Issues in Japanese Literature and Film

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

Scholarships & Grants

��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
��911Gilman Go Global Grant
��911STEM Scholarship

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

Learn more about scholarships

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 2026 4 weeks	February 15, 2026	Start Date June 24, 2026 ^*	End Date July 19, 2026 ^*	Fees & Housing $5,750
Program Summer 2025 4 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date June 26, 2025	End Date July 24, 2025	Fees & Housing $5,450

^*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

��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 ��911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$4,500 ^**
Housing	$750 ^***
Insurance	$200
Total Fees	$5,750

Financial Aid

��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	$321 ^†
International Airfare	$1,700
Local Transportation	$100
Books & Supplies	$100
Personal expenses	$135 ^†�Ġ
Total Costs	$2,356

^*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.

^†�Ġ$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$4,220 ^**
Housing	$730 ^***
Insurance	$200
Total Fees	$5,450

Optional Housing

��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
Select Plus Housing Fee	$700

Financial Aid

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	$315 ^†
International Airfare	$1,700
Local Transportation	$50
Books & Supplies	$100
Personal expenses	$145 ^†�Ġ
Total Costs	$2,310

^*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.

^†�Ġ$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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

��911iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

Brendan Delahunty

Center Director

Brendan is a long-time resident of Japan, originally hailing from Sydney, Australia

Saya Nishina

Director of Operations

Saya gained extensive experience in the language education industry, working in various departments including sales/marketing, human resources, academic affairs, new business development, and international operations in Japan for more than 20 years.

Rumi Mizusako

College Program Coordinator

Rumi is passionate about encouraging others to explore beyond what they have always known and to engage in different cultures and values.

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

Start an Application

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

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.