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CIEE Open Campus Block in Kyoto, Japan (Outgoing Program) Print 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Program Type: study abroad GPA Requirement: 2.5
Housing: Dormitory, Homestay Fields of Study: Art History, Computer Science, Digital Media, Eastern Culture Studies, Economics, Finance, History, International Business Administration, Religious Studies, Service Learning, Social Policy and Administration, Telecommunication & Film, Theatre, World Literature
Language of Instruction: English, Japanese
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Open Campus Block

Kyoto, Japan

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Open Campus Block in Kyoto places you in a city known for its refined traditions, historic districts, and deep cultural heritage, while allowing you to design an experience that aligns with your academic interests and personal goals. You'll enroll in CIEE courses and online courses taught through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Through co-curricular and extracurricular experiences, you might explore centuries-old temples and shrines, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and visit areas like Arashiyama's bamboo grove or the surrounding countryside. Kyoto reveals itself through quiet rituals, seasonal changes, and a sense of history that is woven into everyday surroundings!

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 innovative, eco-friendly city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. Spend 6-, 12-, or 18-weeks exploring Kyoto's cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, thriving startup scene, and historic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Kyoto is the perfect place to study abroad.

Your Destination
Housing

Housing

CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in?your home away from home. From apartments or hotels within 20 minutes of the study center to homestays a train and/or bus ride away, your?accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Spend one, two, or three consecutive 6-week blocks in the same host city or travel between cities for a comparative cultural experience. 
  • 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 activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes. 
  • Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience. 
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit academic project that aligns with your goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements. 

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 excursions and activities: 

  • Visit world-famous temples and shrines, such as Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine, and learning about the depth of their history and religious significance 
  • Take a day trip to Nara with its great-seated Buddha in Todaiji temple and the Deer Park, where they will “bow” in thanks as you offer the deer biscuits 
  • Enjoy an excursion to nearby Kobe and World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, to experience the life of a 17th-century warrior 

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 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

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

Internships

Kyoto blends traditional and modern industries, with a work scene shaped by its historical heritage and evolving economy. Key sectors include tourism and hospitality, small and medium enterprises, and creative and cultural industries. Kyoto's work culture reflects Japan's norms – hierarchy and teamwork – while smaller workplaces emphasize flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.

Industry options include:

  • Business Management and Administration
  • Education and Training
  • Marketing, Sales and Service
  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Information Technology

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
Fall 2027 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Year 2027-2028 03/25/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** 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.