Arts Study Abroad Programs in Japan

This year I participated in the Osaka World Class program and I loved it! I experience many exciting activities with much to see and do. From sight seeing to eating delicious food, all of it was great. Hiroshima was one of my all time favorite places that we went to by far, it was a long day of traveling, but 100% worth it. I specifically remember the Hiroshima peace memorial, while it was a solemn memorial they still had a beautiful tribute to the lives lost. Informing others on how big this impacted their community and how they moved on from this. This program allowed the opportunity to immerse myself in an atmosphere where I can learn and understand the Japanese culture.

Two of my daughters went to the 2026 Osaka World Class program. They absolutely loved it! From exploring Japanese temples, to visiting historical sites, learning Japanese language and cuisine, to shopping, they enjoyed every day to the fullest.

Oh my gosh, where do I even start with this program? It was absolutely, positively, mind-blowingly amazing! Seriously, I can’t even begin to express how incredible it was. From the very first day, I was in love with World Class Programs. The energy, the staff, the excitement, the sheer awesomeness of it all was just overwhelming in the best way possible. First off, the people and teachers at World Class Programs were just the best. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and it felt like I was part of a big, happy family right from the start. The instructors were super knowledgeable and passionate about what they were teaching, and it was so inspiring to see how much they cared about helping us succeed. They continuously went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything and were always there to answer any questions we had, no matter how silly they might have seemed. And the activities! Oh my goodness, the activities were just out of this world. We got to do so many cool things that I never even thought I’d get the chance to try. There were trips to places like Kyoto, Nara (to see the deer!!!), Himeji, Hiroshima (on the peace day festival) and Tokyo! We also played group games, and even some fun, unexpected surprises that kept us on our toes and made every day an adventure (don’t even ask me about the “karaoke” experience! Haha). I learned so much and had a blast doing it. It was, seriously, like being in a dream. But it wasn’t just the people and activities that made this program so amazing. It was also the environment. Japan. Oh Japan. Japan was just beautiful, with stunning views and a vibe that was both really chill and relaxing, and also energizing at the same time. It was the perfect setting for us to focus, learn, and grow, and I felt so lucky to be there. Every morning, I would wake up excited to see what the day had in store, and every night, I would go to bed feeling grateful for the incredible experiences I had. I also have to mention how much I learned. This program was not just fun and games; it was also incredibly educational. I took the Japanese history course for my major and Photography for my minor. I gained so much knowledge and skills that I know will be super valuable in the future. The way the information was presented was so engaging and easy to understand, and I felt like I was really absorbing everything. Being able to EXPERIENCE things rather than just talk about them was great. It was like my brain was a sponge, soaking up all the amazing stuff being thrown at it. And let’s not forget about the friendships I made. I met so many awesome people who I will never forget. We had so much fun together, whether we were playing “taco cat goat cheese pizza”, hanging out during breaks, watching movies, or just chatting about life. Even though we all just met, It was like we had known each other forever, and I felt so lucky to have them in my life. We even planned to stay in touch after the program ended, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us. In conclusion, this program was just the best experience of my life. It was everything I could have ever hoped for and more. I learned so much, met so many amazing people, and had the time of my life. I will always look back on this program with fond memories and a heart full of gratitude. It was truly an incredible experience, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it. Thank you World Class Programs!!!

As a study abroad student in Japan, I am having so much fun! And I highly recommend this to others who might be interested in this! There are tons of fun and interesting adventures!! And the teachers are the BEST!! I’m currently in Japan and I leave tomorrow! I am excited to see my family, but also I genuinely don’t wanna leave Japan. I feel like I could stay here another week!

Let me tell you, World Class Programs is the way to go, especially the Japan program. If you’re wanting to experience a fun and exciting adventure that broadens your worldview, this is it. Throughout the three weeks, they not only made me feel safe and supported, but also like family. The staff were also super nice and helped you keep on going even when you were tired. We were all in it together! The activities were also all immersive and varied, so you get a good mix of history, culture, and souvenirs to bring home! If your a history buff, you’ll be especially happy!This is a program that everyone, atleast once in their life, needs to experience!

I went on a 3 week study abroad trip to Japan in 2026 and I had sososo much fun! I was nervous about traveling alone but all the staff were friendly and experienced in travel, so they took all the stress away. The whole trip all the staff were extremely kind, fun and understanding. They always accommodated everyone’s needs. I had lots of fun doing the classes and genuinely learned so much more than I knew before this trip. I felt like I was learning even outside of class in the funnest way possible, I feel like I might even be able to navigate a train station by myself! I really enjoyed free time and I bought so much stuff. I loved going to the malls and animate, my clothing and figure collection has grown substantially. This trip was genuinely a once in a lifetime experience and I had worlds of fun. My only con is that I wish we could have our own rooms the whole time, mostly because I’m a big introvert and I just enjoy having my own space!! Everyone on the program and not was so friendly and Japan is a great place to visit, especially with world class programs!!

This trip was a rich experience that helped me learn about the local life as well as enjoy the simple and fun experiences in Japan. From the quiet shops to the towering skyscrapers, every day was a new adventure. The nature in Nara, tech in Tokyo, and the cuisine in Osaka all stole my breath. It was an amazing trip and couldn’t recommend it enough. Not only that, but it teaches kids social skills and cues. Going to a different country will teach far more than we know.

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.

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!

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.

I was able to attend both the 2024 and 2025 January programs with CIS Abroad. The staff and faculty are excellent and are very kind and accommodating. Outside of classes, there was ample time for me to explore parts of Japan and Tokyo. The work load was very light for the courses I took (Japanese Language Beginner and Intermediate). The excursions were also very informative, my favorite being the calligraphy class. The winter in Japan is fairly mild (compared to New Jersey, United States of America) and the weather was sunny for my entire trip in 2025.

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.

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.

This program was life-changing. The staff made the transition into Japan smooth and helped with any issues. I never felt overwhelmed, and I was set up for success. The school's community is amazing. It is impossible not to make friends, and you will meet the coolest people. I genuinely fell in love with life again after this program. The education is informative and interesting. The Japanese classes are well structured, and I enjoyed them. I encourage everyone to apply for this program! Nagasaki is a lovely city, and you get a lot of perks for being a student! I recommend the art museum, the rope line, and my favorite place-- Nagasaki Seaside Park!