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CIEE Summer Ancient + Modern Japan in Kyoto, Japan
(Outgoing Program)
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** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete Pre-Departure / Post-Decision Phase materials prior to the term's application deadline.
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
where rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions date back 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
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 this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture, and sights.
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.
1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!
GAIN Travel Grants - up to $2,000 toward travel costs guaranteed to all Pell-elgible students.
Gilman Go Global Grants - $2,500/semester and $1,000/summer, guaranteed to all Gilman applications.
Merit-Based Scholarships - $2,500/semester and $750/summer, awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.
Minority Serving Institutions (MIS) Grant - $2,000/semester and $500/summer, guaranteed to all students attending MSIs.
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.
"The program brought us to Otani University. There at the university, I made many friends and they introduced us to their friends at their workplace. I now have a bunch of friends from Seoul, Okinawa, Yokohama, Osaka, Tokyo, and Kyoto, just from this one outing. The health and safety on this trip was exceptional, I never was worried if I got sick or hurt, staff was on call 24/7 and would provide any assistance needed.
The excursions were very fun. The Otani University visit was my favorite. We also went to a tea ceremony, Gion District, Arashiyama, and Universal Studios Japan/Osaka Castle. We also had plenty of time to explore on our own/choose not to do SOME of the excursions. The academics were very good. My cuisine and culture professor was from Montenegro, so she gave us insights from Japanese and Balkan cuisines. The classes were easy enough to get in A in if you gave a good effort, but not so easy that you just pass for free." - Nicholas, Summer 2025