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CIEE Summer Ancient + Modern Japan in Kyoto, Japan (Outgoing Program) Print 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Program Type: study abroad GPA Requirement: 2.5
Housing: Dormitory Fields of Study: Art History, Digital Media, Eastern Culture Studies, History, Japanese, Religious Studies, Telecommunication & Film, Theatre, World Literature
Language of Instruction: English
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Summer Ancient + Modern Japan

Kyoto, Japan

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program 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 CIEE courses taught at CIEE Kyoto. 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's Famous Uji Green Tea

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

Learn More About Kyoto

Your Destination

Kyoto is Japan's 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're studying language, history, the arts, or religious studies, Kyoto is the perfect place to study abroad.

Your Destination
Housing

Housing

CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options, including shared apartments located within a 20-minute commute of CIEE Kyoto. Our housing options are conveniently located within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, shops, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and public transportation.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s 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.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto 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:

  • 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 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.

Academics

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

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in 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 CIEE academic calendar. 

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

Contact Us



Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer I 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Summer II 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Summer 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission 05/19/2027 08/09/2027

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.