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Study Abroad Program in Tokyo, Japan

by: Santa Barbara City College

4.85 (46)VerifiedSince 1944

This summer program is designed to provide a broad introduction to Japanese culture that is relevant to the field of Communication and Art History. The students will learn the concepts and principles of Intercultural Communication and study the Art of Japan, which will be enriched through their interactions with peers and locals, visits to architectural/cultural sites, museums, and cultural activities. Through their study abroad experience, the students will gain valuable knowledge and skills to become global citizens.

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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Tokyo, Japan
Starts At: $600-900
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 18-35
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Art History
  • Communications
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Japan 2026
IIESanta Barbara RecognitionState of CaliforniaGilman Scholarship Greatest GrowthTop Producer

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.85

Total Reviews

46

Life changing!

July 29, 2026by: Roberto Garza - United States
5

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!

Osaka Castle

POV: Study Abroad in Tokyo Japan as HOH

July 25, 2026by: Kaitlyn Burnell - United States
5

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.

Unforgettable Experience

July 24, 2026by: Camille Hassan - United States
4

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!

An unforgettable learning experience!

July 24, 2026by: Alana Allen - United States
5

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!

It was great experience!

July 11, 2026by: Alana
5

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!

I highly recommend this!

June 19, 2026by: Madelynn
4

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!

I loved the class!

June 15, 2026by: Roberto
5

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

Wonderful opportunity!

June 12, 2026by: Anthony
5

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!

It was super interesting and was perfectly related to our trips

April 29, 2026by: Noah
5

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.

I adore nature and the historical apsect tied in was fabulous

April 24, 2026by: Serena
4

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

Professor was super interested!

April 17, 2026by: Sebastian
5

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!

It was an amazing opportunity!

April 08, 2026by: Keilana
4

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.

Amazing field trips

March 11, 2026by: Jack
5

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)

It was such an experience

February 12, 2026by: Jacaranda
5

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!

The quallity of education was great!

January 19, 2026by: Kaleb
4

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.

Everything felt planned out and perfect.

November 21, 2025by: Donovan
5

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.

The perfect opportunity for both cultural exchange and personal growth.

November 13, 2025by: Silas
5

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.

Best experience ever, in a beautiful place.

November 03, 2025by: Phoebe
5

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.

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

September 16, 2025by: Nicole
5

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.

I loved the field trips.

September 05, 2025by: Christopher
5

I think that the journalis was a really good idea for an assignment. I really liked that everythigng was on paper. I felt like we had a good amount of work and I enjoyed the classes. I LOVED the fieldtrips. TeamLabs was such a beautiful and grounded experience of nature. I also loved the tea cremony.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Tokyo, Japan

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Art History
  • Communications

Availability

Years Offered: 2026

Terms Available:
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-35

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Starts At

$600-900

Program Cost Includes

  • 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

Refund Policy

Refund with conditions

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    Interviews

    Read interviews from alumni or staff

    Alana Sanchez

    Alana Sanchez

    Participated in 2024

    Alumni

    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
    Santa Barbara City College

    Santa Barbara City College

    4.85Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    This summer program is designed to provide a broad introduction to Japanese culture that is relevant to the field of Communication and Art History. The students will learn the concepts and principles of Intercultural Communication and study the Art of Japan, which will be enriched through their interactions with peers and locals, visits to architectural/cultural sites, museums, and cultural activities. Through their study abroad experience, the students will gain valuable knowledge and skills to become global citizens.

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