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CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Video Game Design in Kyoto

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Program Overview

Develop your own prototype in a gamer's wonderland! Enter the various levels of the gaming world in Kyoto. Through hands-on classes, get an inside look at how video games are made. In just three weeks, learn the basics of storyboarding, coding, and animation. Then, create a prototype for a new video game and present it to a panel of industry experts! Hear from engineers and designers from world-class gaming institutions. Tour video game schools, like the Ritsumeikan Center for Game Studies, and independent gaming studios to get feedback on your project. Understand the processes of effective game design and how experts leverage programming tools to make the best games! Discover the incredible landmarks of Kyoto, like Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and Nijo Castle; shop in vibrant downtown markets; and meet local teens, too. On excursions, get your heart racing at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and visit Nara to explore its many historic temples and shrines, and meet the forest spirits - the friendly Shika deer! In Kyoto, you’ll experience first-hand the process of creating video games and immerse yourself in the traditions of the gaming capital of the world.

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Program Highlights

Experience the marching rhythms of Japanese taiko drumming as you get musical with your fellow Global Navigators.
Transport yourself into your favorite video game adventures and thrill rides at Super Nintendo World, located at Universal Studios Japan in the city of Osaka.
Step into virtual reality worlds and release your inner warrior as you become a Samurai or Ninja at Kyoto’s Samurai & Ninja Museum.
Check out the old Nintendo Uji Ogura Plant, turned into the new Nintendo Museum, displaying a wide array of gaming products from Nintendo’s past.
Pick out your favorite souvenirs and find hidden Pokémon throughout the world-famous Pokémon Centers in both Kyoto and Osaka!

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Emergency Support
Wifi Costs

Quick Details

Location
Kyoto, Japan
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2026
Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Experiential Learning
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
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Updated Feb 6, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kyoto, Japan

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: 2026
  • Duration: 2-4 Weeks, Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • American

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Education: High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • Education: High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • Education: High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • Education: High School Senior (4th Year)
  • Education: High School 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

2-4 Weeks, Summer

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