GoAbroad

Study Abroad Program in Tokyo, Japan

Visit WebsiteInquire HereApply NowTop Rated Program Study Abroad in Japan 2026
$600-900Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.8 / 5Overall Rating
47Reviews
1944Year established

Program Overview

Discover Tokyo, a city where centuries-old tradition and cutting-edge creativity exist side by side, in this Summer 2027 study abroad program blending Film Studies and Studio Art. Through coursework grounded in Tokyo's dynamic visual culture, you'll sharpen your artistic and cinematic eye while immersing yourself in the city's unique aesthetic sensibility.

Beyond the classroom, you'll deepen your practice through hands-on cultural experiences, including a traditional tea ceremony and art workshops, while visiting local art studios and iconic sights that reveal Tokyo's rich artistic heritage. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore how tradition and innovation shape one of the world's most vibrant creative capitals—an experience that will sharpen your craft and expand your creative vision long after you return home.

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Program Highlights

Experience Japanese lifestyle by living in Tokyo.
Discover the beauty of Japan on walking tours.
Learn about Japanese cuisine on traditional Japanese cooking classes and tea ceremony.
Expand your mind with zen meditations at a local temple.
Work with instructors who are intimately familiar with Japan.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Academic Advising
Financial Aid Counseling
Assistance Booking Travel
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Public Transportation Pass

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Tokyo, Japan

Types & Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Arts
  • Film

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • In-Person Interview when Feasible
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Disciplinary Clearance Form
  • Online Application
  • Transcript

Age Requirement

18+

Starts At

$600-900

Payment Terms

  • Upfront Deposit

Refund Policy

Refund with conditions

View Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Santa Barbara City College

4.8
47 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
40
4
7
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
4.9
Health & Safety
4.9
Academics
4.9
Cultural Immersion
4.9
Living Situation
4.8
Community
4.8

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 47 reviews

Alana AllenUnited States · November 2026

Unforgettable experience!

The program made studying abroad super easy and stress-free. I met so many amazing people on this program—including the professors. The professors were friendly and helpful! I had a memorable experience that will never be forgotten!

Photos

Roberto GarzaUnited States · July 2026

Life changing!

Before choosing to go back to school in the fall of 2025, I never would’ve thought in 1 million years I would have the opportunity to be able to study abroad in Japan! A country 4 year old me dreamed of visiting. I got to experience so many exciting things and was surrounded by amazing classmates. Both Dr. Kunz and Garard sensei were some of the most impactful educators I’ve ever had in my life. They brought out my curiosity and drive to wanna learn more about what they were teaching. As a first generation student this opportunity was very life-changing for me and gave me a perspective. I never thought I’d have. I would recommend anyone to take advantage and study abroad!

Photos

Kaitlyn BurnellUnited States · July 2026

POV: Study Abroad in Tokyo Japan as HOH

First of all, I had a great time there as HOH. HOH mean "Hard of Hearing". So to share this, I know it was gonna be not so easy because I was new to the Language that I had practice 3 years ago, but was sure enough to go out with having skill with communication Verbally and Non verbally. And in between all that, I feel accomplished of balancing my academic and Social surrounding. I didn't do video, but you find my Instagram Highlight story of my time in the Study Abroad program on "sinMa15lay" IG.

Camille HassanUnited States · July 2026

Unforgettable Experience

This trip was nothing short of life changing. Tokyo is such a fascinating city and can give you so much knowledge not only about other cultures about also about your own. All class field trips were relevant to class material and gave a wonderful in person experience rather than just reading about it. Definitely study the language a bit more if you can and try to find a friend to go with!

Alana AllenUnited States · July 2026

An unforgettable learning experience!

Getting the opportunity to learn in Japan will be an experience that will never be forgotten. Learning about the course topics first-hand really helped my learning process and gave me unforgettable memories. I am super grateful for all the close friends and memories I made!

AlanaJuly 2026

It was great experience!

It was great, especially when we had a tour guide who explained the culture to us. Make sure you have a working credit/debit & Pin number before going! I couldn't get cash out of an ATM on the last week!

MadelynnJune 2026

I highly recommend this!

It's especially good for those who want to go to Japan, but also for learning about a new culture and how they communicate! Know what you want to do or go to. Plan with friends but also solo trips can be fun as well!

RobertoJune 2026

I loved the class!

I loved the class! I've taken art history but learning about Japansese art was a lot more fun! I thought the professor did good! Very interesting topics! I loved learning about the religious temples and how they were influenced and constructed

AnthonyJune 2026

Wonderful opportunity!

This program gives you a wonderful opportunity to explore a non-western country with help. Excursions were enjoyable and school-personal life balance is good. Bring/plan to spend more than you expect. Find a friend to go with you. Learn some Japanese!

NoahApril 2026

It was super interesting and was perfectly related to our trips

I think the professors curriculum was super interesting and was perfectly related to our trips/excursions. Also did a good job checking in with us. I think everything we went to was perfectly tied to the curriculum and made a lot of sense in the context of what we were learning.

SerenaApril 2026

I adore nature and the historical apsect tied in was fabulous

I adore the nature and the historical apsect tied in was fabulous. The stroll garden was lovely too. I think we should have at least one nature based trip each week as a break of fresh air! It was one of an amazing experience I ever had

SebastianApril 2026

Professor was super interested!

Professor was super interested in helping us learn and great at giving accurate and relevant information. All field trips were super engaging and educational. I loved learning about them prior. i Highly recommend this to everyone!

KeilanaApril 2026

It was an amazing opportunity!

It was an amazing opportunity. I feel like I saw Tokyo in a unique way that was 100% worth the price of the program. If you don't speak Japanese, at least try to learn Katakana. It's what most English/foreign words are written in, so it'll really help with reading signs and menus.

JackMarch 2026

Amazing field trips

Amazing field trips, everyone was amazing! Research ahead of time and keep a list of small excursions to fall back on, on slow days. (Example: a food/restaurant you want to try or a store you want to visit)

JacarandaFebruary 2026

It was such an experience

It was such an experience. Getting to study in a different country while also getting to go on fun excursions for class points is so much fun! STUDY THE LANGUAGE!!! It will help you so much even though you can get by in english. Also seriously don't bring many clothes, you'll do a lot of shopping!

KalebJanuary 2026

The quallity of education was great!

The wealth of informationwas immense and I could feel the professors respect and passion. The quallity of education was great! The classes were wonderful, I especially appreciated the excursion assignments we would do independantly. The temple and shrine visits were beautiful.

DonovanNovember 2025

Everything felt planned out and perfect.

Everything felt planned out and perfect. Nothing bad happened and everyone felt safe and sound during the trip. I think there can't be improvements. Hotel location was great. I wish we had a dryer machine though. It was very fun. I really enjoyed my time abroad and the memories and friends I made on this trip I definitely won't forget.

SilasNovember 2025

The perfect opportunity for both cultural exchange and personal growth.

The excursions were relevant to most of the classes.There was also always something to do, lots of suggestions for shrines and temples to visit. I thought it was the perfect opportunity for both cultural exchange and personal growth.

PhoebeNovember 2025

Best experience ever, in a beautiful place.

The excursions were well planned and time was used well. The class time vs. the amount of free time was fair. Best experience ever, in a beautiful place. It was run very well and I feel as if we made the most of our time here as students.

NicoleSeptember 2025

I was able to confide in them with problems with the program

The professor really did a fantastic job as an instructor and supervisor during the trip. I was able to confide in them with problems with the program and her class was enlightening and challenging. Entertaining, too.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Santa Barbara City College.

What types of programs are available through SBCC?

SBCC offers short programs (summer or winter break) and semester programs (fall, spring) on an ongoing basis. Semester programs are typically 12 - 16 weeks long. Short programs vary from 2 - 5 weeks in length.

Which program destinations are offered by SBCC?

SBCC has been offering programs in more than 20 different countries, including England, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, Mexico, Costa Rica, China, Vietnam, Japan, Russia, New Zealand, Cuba, India, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand, the former Soviet Union, and more. Program offerings vary from year to year to ensure program variety. Please refer to the programs page for a list of current program offerings.

How much does it cost to study abroad with SBCC?

Program costs vary from program to program, depending on the program location, duration, and other variables. Our goal is to offer affordable programs to our students and cost is always something we keep in mind when developing our programs.

Semester programs can range anywhere from $2,900 to $12,000 which includes housing and required field trips and more.

Short-term programs vary from $1,900 - $5,500.

Round-trip air-fare, registration and b

Is financial aid available for study abroad programs?

Yes, students who qualify for financial aid can usually apply their financial aid to study abroad programs. Sometimes, a student's need may increase while studying abroad due to added travel expenses, and the financial aid award may slightly increase. Contact your Financial Aid advisor as soon as possible to find out more about Financial Aid and to complete your Financial Aid application.

Is housing included in the program cost?

Yes, housing is always included in the program cost for all our programs.

Santa Barbara City College Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Alana Sanchez

Alana Sanchez

Participated in 2024

Alumni

Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, this individual has spent their life in this stunning locale but feels destined for new adventures. With a pas...

Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to travel. Both of my parents traveled as a part of their jobs. I had always heard stories and seen photos of their journeys and immediately knew that’s what I needed to do once I grew older. Once the opportunity arose, I made sure to take it for myself because I believe that the world is our classroom. Exploring and experiencing what is beyond reach is one of the most important things that we can do for ourselves and for each other.

Show Full Interview

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Santa Barbara Recognition
Gilman Scholarship Greatest Growth
Top Producer
Forum on Education Abroad
IIE
State of California

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