Description

Are you looking for a different kind of program in Japan? A program that allows U.S. students to sit alongside Japanese students in over 150 courses taught in English in addition to attending intensive Japanese language training at a famous university in downtown Tokyo? The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Tokyo, Japan at the CIEE Study Center at Sophia University is designed to provide students with superior cross-cultural and language training by way of intensive Japanese language course work, offering a range of courses in various disciplines, a managed homestay program, and providing on-site staff to support the students.

Academic Program
The CIEE Arts and Sciences program, which began in 1982 and moved to Sophia University in 1998, provides a supportive environment in which participants can study at one of Japan's top-ranked universities while experiencing life in Tokyo. CIEE students enroll in Sophia University courses alongside Japanese and other international students. All CIEE students study Japanese language each semester and take at least one Japan-focused course in English, though many students elect to take more.

Academic Culture
Sophia University has a reputation as being very international. The Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA) is unusual, as it allows international and Japanese students to study together in content classes taught in English. The ratio of students to faculty is approximately 20-to-1. Content courses meet twice a week for 90-minute sessions, but most language courses meet daily. The faculty compromises top educators from around the world, and thus, course structure varies. Some courses are more discussion-based, while others are lecture-style, with the latter being predominant at lower levels. Because CIEE participants are surrounded by classmates with an array of viewpoints and backgrounds, the academic culture is enriched, and many perspective-expanding experiences await.

CIEE offers semester and yearlong program options. The fall semester is from September to February, and the spring semester runs from March to August. The yearlong option can be either from September to August or from March to February. Students enrolling in the fall semester only are required to stay until the end of the program in early February. Note that early exams are not given under any circumstances.

Highlights

• Experience life in one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world
  
• Study Japanese in language classes at all levels; choose from a wide range of other courses taught in English to mixed groups of Japanese and international students
  
• Live with a Japanese family or in a dorm with young professionals and Japanese and international students
  
• Participate in a contemporary and traditional cultural activity program, including regional site visits, historical tours, hands-on workshops, and a weekend excursion to Hiroshima; benefit from an extra cultural activity reimbursement program

Weekend Trip to Hiroshima
This is an optional but highly recommended weekend educational excursion for all students. Students and staff travel via shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial Park and Museum serve as a lasting reminder of the dropping of the world's first atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. A full day is spent touring the Peace Museum and Peace Park, attending presentations by a bomb survivor and a peace studies professor, and enjoying traditional Hiroshima foods. This insightful trip provides students with a vivid and memorable glimpse of the tragedy of Hiroshima. This is followed by a day trip to the interesting island of Miyajima with the famous red torii of Itsukushima Shrine standing in the water and its delicious oysters and other seafood.

Overnight Trip to Kyoto
During their second semester in the program, academic year students enjoy an overnight trip to Kyoto, a city rich in cultural treasures, including temples, Zen gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition to learning about Gion (the famous geisha district), students are able to apply their Japanese language skills while exploring the ancient sites and streets of Kyoto on their own.

Cultural Reimbursement Program
The Cultural Reimbursement Program reimburses students for their participation in additional independent cultural activities, which may include Japanese movies, traditional Japanese music concerts and theater, and visits to local museums and historic places of interest.

Immersion
Community Involvement
Volunteer opportunities in Tokyo may be available. Students should consult with the CIEE Study Center staff early on to determine their options. They are also encouraged to seek out volunteer opportunities independently. In the past, CIEE students have volunteered at local elementary schools, helped organize a food drive for homeless people in Tokyo, and assisted with an organization that leads activities for developmentally and physically challenged youth.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing (including local commuter pass to get to/from classes), two meals a day for homestays (no meals for dormitory), orientation, Hiroshima excursion, required site visits and cultural activities, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

*No meals included for students placed in dormitories.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Sophomore standing and above
• 1 or 2 semesters Japanese language strongly recommended

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947