Academic Year Study Abroad Programs in Japan

In my junior year, I had the opportunity to spend my fall semester studying in Tokyo with Middlebury College. Since I tested into the J5 level Japanese language class, I had the opportunity to take two classes with local students taught entirely in Japanese, challenging myself to not only comprehend lectures at a high language level but also communicate with my peers at a college level. Even though the campus was an hour away from Tokyo's center, the convenient public transportation made it very easy to go out into the city with friends. We even made outside of the prefecture to Saitama, Osaka, Tottori and more on breaks and weekends, exploring Japan while we could. I found that, through this program, we had a lot of space to immerse ourselves in Japan's vibrant and diverse culture and become a part of the city ourselves. Additionally, the program put an emphasis on sustainable development, which taught me how to be more environmentally aware and live sustainably. This instilled positive habits into my lifestyle, which I find myself still enforcing today even though I have returned to my home country. Overall, Middlebury's program gave me an amazing space to advance my Japanese language skills while exploring Tokyo as a city.

It was my first time coming to Japan, and also my first time in Asia. I was extremely nervous because I didn’t know how to speak Japanese, aside from saying ‘thank you’ and ‘hello.’ Despite not speaking the language, everyone was always very kind and respectful to me. I met a lot of amazing people, who I now consider my friends. I have enjoyed every single day I’ve been here, and I would love to come back as soon as possible.

Studying abroad in Japan through USAC was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made in college. Before going, I was excited but also nervous about the language barrier and whether I’d feel out of place, but USAC made the transition way smoother than I expected. From orientation to day-to-day support, it felt like there was always someone I could reach out to if I needed help.

Studying abroad in Tokyo with API was one of the most intellectually and personally enriching experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a triple major in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Business Administration, I was eager to explore how technology intersects with culture—and Tokyo offered the perfect environment. From navigating bustling Shibuya crossings to engaging deeply with local life, every day deepened my understanding of global innovation. What surprised me most was how seamlessly I could integrate into daily routines: ordering coffee in Japanese, exploring quiet neighborhoods like Yanaka, and reflecting on how cultural context shapes everything from design to communication. The academic rigor matched my home institution, but the cultural immersion pushed me beyond textbooks. API’s on-site support made logistics effortless—from housing near campus to organized excursions to Kyoto and Hakone. Most importantly, living in Tokyo challenged my assumptions and sharpened my intercultural fluency, which now directly informs my work in equitable AI design. If you’re considering study abroad, choose a place that stretches your worldview. For me, that place was Tokyo—and API made it possible.

My goals when studying abroad were to learn as much about Japanese culture and society as I could, and the course offerings went above and beyond this. There were too many great courses to choose from! Additionally, my homestay experience allowed me to really get a feel for what it was like to live in Japan. Through my host family, I was able to gain experiences that my peers could not. If I could go back, the only thing I would change would be to stay longer!

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

Studying abroad at Meiji Gakuin University through CIS Abroad was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The classes were well-structured, and the intensive language course was especially effective. Having studied Japanese for two years before the program, I noticed a huge improvement in my skills thanks to this course. The International Center on campus was also an invaluable resource—whether I had questions about clubs, classes, or just needed extra support. They regularly hosted cultural experiences on campus, which were fun and a great way to meet Japanese students. Outside the classroom, the program offered countless opportunities to experience everyday life in Japan. Living in Totsuka, Yokohama, was incredible. I stayed in a dorm with both Japanese and international students, which made it easy to build friendships and feel part of a community right away. The friendships I formed there are ones I know will last a lifetime. The dorm’s location—just five minutes from a major station—also made it easy to travel to Yokohama, Tokyo, and even beachside towns, so there was always something new to explore. CIS provided amazing support throughout the entire journey. From the moment I arrived in Japan, they were there to greet me at the airport and guide me through my first days. Their cultural excursions took us to amazing places and gave us the chance to see sides of Japan we might not have discovered on our own. I always felt reassured knowing I had their support when I needed it. Overall, my semester at MGU with CIS was eye-opening, challenging in the best ways, and truly unforgettable. I came into the program hoping to grow as a person, become more confident, and learn to be more independent—and this experience gave me all of that and more.

My time in Japan was life-changing. As a Nikkei student, I reconnected with roots my family had lost after internment and generations of cultural distance. From dorm life to local hikes, food, and community events, I gained authentic insight into daily Japanese life. Beyond travel, it was about reclaiming identity, building cross-cultural friendships, and finding confidence in who I am.

I'm so glad that I went to Nagasaki to study abroad for the spring semester. Not only was I able to meet so many different friends from around the world, but I was also able to learn about Japanese culture and history. I enjoyed immersing myself in the community present in Nagasaki, which is so determined to spread the word of peace. It was also great to interact with Japanese students and improve my Japanese language skills. Coming to Nagasaki, what I really enjoyed was the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms present at the beginning of the semester, and the abundance of trees in a rich green I had never seen before. It was truly a sight to see. Not to mention how Nagasaki is enriched with so much history and international cultural influences as a port city. There is just so much to learn.

The year I spent in Nagasaki was the best year of my life. The university is small, with less than 1000 students and teachers combined, making it easy to meet people and form connections. I typically struggle to make friends, but here I made friends from countries all over the world. There are many opportunities for personal growth, both academically and through community involvement. Nagasaki is a great location because it has a rich history of cultural exchange and is very welcoming to foreigners.

I went to Nagasaki Japan with the desire to improve my Japanese skills and develop a cultural understanding of the area. That is exactly the experience I had beyond expectations. I of course had some hurtless, figuring out what courses would count towards my degree was the hardest part. GADAI/NUFS the college I went to was small and cozy a stark contrast to my large university in the states. My most important experience was learning about the effects of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. I encourage all to study abroad somewhere and if you're looking for a place neck deep in diverse cultures I fully reccomend this program. Every one of my struggles was 100% worth the experience I was blessed to have.

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

Overall, I truly enjoyed every moment I spent in Japan, and am grateful for API giving me this opportunity. However, while I enjoyed each excursion that I went on, the school aspect left a lot to be desired. Though this is more of an issue with the Host University, I would've preferred that there were more interesting courses, and not some that felt somewhat generic and tame. For example, though this may be a nitpick, I feel as if a course involving perhaps the storytelling or creative process for producing an Anime/Manga story, as Japan is well known for animation and manga, and I had met a few people in the excursion who agreed with this idea. Regardless, while my only issue truly lied with the Course Selections, my time in Japan was most definitely worthwhile.

Tokyo was always my dream destination to visit and getting the opportunity to study abroad there was a dream come true. I loved Japan as much as I thought I would all thanks to APIs amazing program offering me so many cultural immersion opportunities. I’m so grateful to Azusa who was our group coordinator in Japan and also a fellow student she was amazing so helpful and knowledgeable being from Tokyo.

I had the time of my life while abroad, and it’s all because of IES Abroad. Going into college, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to study abroad and achieve my goals of traveling while abroad, but through my IES Program I was able to participate in an abroad program that changed my life. Not only did I make lifelong friends in my program and school, but I got to go on field trips provided by the program to explore the culture and experiences of locals and learn about the rich history of Japan. I got to live with a host family who has become real family, and every day I woke up so excited to be in Japan. I only wish I had more time to spend here. I got to explore different cities, try so many new foods, and even met some really cool animals like capybaras and deer!

The idea of being sent to a country across the other side of the world scared me. However, after arriving in Japan, last March, I had one of the most memorable semesters ever. Through USAC, I was able to not only immerse myself into the culture and language, but I also met some of my best friends too. My school, being abroad, was very active in terms of extracurricular events! The area surrounding the dorms were filled with all types of mini-restaurants, hole in the walls, and unique shops too. My experience has not only shaped my view of the world but along with my career path too!

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

It was the best option to join jals. People are really nice, open minded and the staff is great. I got connected to people all the time and recieved help immediately if i had questions. The atmosphere is really relaxing and the teacher's are great. Once a week there is a test based on what you learned in school. The test are based on the homework you get. The lessons are easy to understand and all questions get answered. The school has an activity list after class, i did many of them and they are always fun.

I have so many fond memories from this program. From the small interactions with locals to going on multiple day-long trips, there is was so much to love. I gained a much greater understanding about just how different cultures can be and how to adjust to unknown situations. My favorite thing I would do often was just going on day trips on my own or with friends to the countryside or just anywhere that is less touristy. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else, and I couldn't recommend it more.

My experience was enjoyable! I really enjoy the classes with Emi and Ríe sensei, who's beside being patient, were super fun! Also, I couldnt have been luckier of having great classmates. Clases had the perfect duration and wasnt boring at all.