Asian Studies 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.

Visiting Japan has always been at the top of my travel destinations. Traveling with the Bethel Global Studies group was the easy button. Each day was packed with just enough events to be fully immersed with this magical and enchanting culture. Can’t wait to see what future trips we will be going on with this great group of people!

I really enjoyed this trip. It was fun, exciting, and gave me an opportunity I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. This program gives students, and proves to students that anything is possible. It made me realize my dreams aren’t just dreams and than I’m capable. The leaders are willing to make it possible and work with you.

Japan is a beautiful country, and I enjoyed seeing places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The hotels were comfortable, and many of the destinations we visited were memorable and worth seeing. However, one of my biggest frustrations was the amount of time spent on the bus. At times, it felt like we spent more time traveling between locations than actually experiencing them. There were days when we would travel for hours only to spend 20–30 minutes at a destination before getting back on the bus and moving on to the next stop. While I understand that seeing multiple cities requires travel, the pace often felt rushed and left little time to truly enjoy or explore many of the places we visited. I would have preferred fewer stops with more time to experience each destination, interact with the local culture, and enjoy Japan at a slower pace. I also felt that communication leading up to the trip could have been improved. There was limited information provided before departure, which left me unsure of what to expect. Even something as simple as a text message the night before our flight to Japan with final reminders, meeting information, and travel expectations would have been extremely helpful. Additionally, I felt there was a lack of guidance while navigating the airports in Japan. As a first-time international traveler, I expected more direction from the trip leader, but instead I often felt like I was navigating the airports and travel process on my own. Having clearer instructions and more active guidance would have made the experience much less stressful. Looking back, I think my biggest disappointment is that I left feeling like I didn't truly get to experience Japan the way I had hoped. The country itself was incredible, but the pace of the trip and the amount of structured travel left me wishing I had planned the trip independently. I believe I would have enjoyed spending more time in fewer locations, exploring at my own pace, and having the flexibility to create my own experience. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Japan and make memories, but I left feeling that the trip was not the right fit for the type of travel experience I was looking for.

I genuinely had the time of my life!! We truly got lucky with Shirley (tour guide) and such great weather… I can’t believe I actually got to physically see Mt. Fuji with my own eyes! However, my only critique would be the amount of time we spent at places. For instance, we spent more time on the bus some days than actually getting to experience Japan. It sucks when we spend 2+ hours on a bus to get only 30 minutes to look around each destination. I do understand how stuff like this does happen while traveling with traffic etc etc. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to see and learn so much about Japan. I made amazing memories, met wonderful people, and would absolutely recommend this program to anyone considering traveling or studying abroad!!

Every time I travel with this group I become more confident to step outside my comfort zone and see each place from a different perspective. I’ve traveled to 6 countries across 4 continents now and I’m always amazed at what I discover. Spending the last week in Japan has opened my eyes to both the history of the country and the changes to modern day. Each stop gave me a better understanding as well as an experience to mark share and always remember. I definitely plan to return.

Well organized and informative. Enjoyed it all. Food culture everyone was so nice. Our group leader was a wealth of knowledge. This was the best trip. A trip of a lifetime. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to explore other countries.

When I was back home in America, I often found myself not wanting much. Although I would make plans and set goals that had some ambition behind them, I never really cared where I was or where I would eventually end up. I moved through life almost on autopilot, always looking beyond the horizon but never taking the steps to go past the ends of my own irises. Things felt distant, and while I wasn’t unhappy, I wasn’t truly engaged either. When I finally arrived in Japan, the first day was a little rough. The travel was exhausting, and everything felt unfamiliar. But after arriving at the hotel and taking a long nap, something changed. I woke up early the next morning, which was unusual for me, and I continued waking up early for the rest of the trip. It almost felt like a sign that something inside me had shifted. Throughout the trip, I took buses, trains, and walked more than I ever expected. We visited shrines, cities, and places filled with people. Sometimes I would notice how crowded everything was and think about how annoying it should have been, yet I never felt negative about it. Instead, I felt present. I felt happy. For most of my life, I’ve placed limits on my own enjoyment. I don’t know exactly why. Maybe part of me was afraid of becoming too invested and experiencing disappointment later. Whatever the reason, those limits seemed to disappear during this trip. This experience changed me, even if only for a short time. I believe that those 10 days compared to the 16 years compared to the even longer after, were of much more value.

I adored this trip and this program! It was so fun to be able to see the world and make a dream that I assumed wouldn’t happen until I was out of college, happen in my young adult years! Something this big didn’t seem possible for me, nor did I even consider it until the opportunity was laid before me. I’m so grateful for the program and staff for their support and flexibility, and I would love to have this opportunity again!

This program was spectacular; every aspect was flawless and unforgettable. The program itself was life changing. The opportunities to explore the country through weekends and field trips were splendid and the classes were interesting and fun.

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.

The ability of this program to provide freedom and independence in exploring Japan while still providing opportunities to learn and interact with the culture. The classes offered range in a variety of subjects and really allow you to learn what you want.

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.

Coming out of the worst time of my life last year, I had little to look forward to until I found IES’s Nagoya Summer: Language and Culture program. The application process was incredibly smooth and quick, and once I was accepted, so were the travel forms and health information. Arriving with the other IES students for orientation and some field trips, we were able to form connections early while acclimating to Japan and its wonders. And as we got settled into Nanzan at our respective dorms and with host families, making more friends was even easier. Classes at Nanzan didn’t even feel like work. I found myself looking forward to going every day despite the 20 minute trek to school. It is inspiring being able to learn a language in its country of origin, while also getting to take electives and art classes to round out your experience. Apart from that, we had a lot of free time (depending how many electives you took). Nagoya has so much to offer. My friends and I would go out for lunch or dinner around various subway stations after class, frequent the izakayas and karaoke places on the weekends, and sometimes take day trips to places like Tokyo and Osaka. IES went above and beyond with this- we had a built-in weekend trip to Kyoto including our own tour guide, an art activity, and an itinerary of all the best sites to visit. My professors were wonderful, and along with the other staff at Nanzan, worked with IES to make sure we were all safe and comfortable. When I had a spot of trouble with organizing my housing, the IES program coordinators, the CJS (Center for Japanese Studies) staff, and the international director at Nanzan were all there to support me. Throughout the summer I participated in IES’s Correspondent Program as a photographer. It was amazing to record pictures of us having the time of our lives and think about how these could help future students who are looking at this program. After returning to the US, I also applied to the Ambassadors program and had a lot of fun helping the IES table at Penn State’s Education Abroad fair. I’ve been inspired to change my major to Japanese language, and I plan to participate in the JET (Japan English Teaching) program. So not only did the program give me an awesome summer, it keeps impacting me, my career path, and my hopes for the future!

I did a short term course for 3 weeks and loved every minute. The lessons were clear and structured, with lots of conversation so you pick up real life Japanese quickly. I stayed in one of their female sharehouses arranged by the school, which was clean and in a good location. The events were a highlight, especially the language exchange and karaoke nights. At the end I felt confident ordering food, asking directions, and making small talk. If you want a warm city and a supportive school, Meiji is a great choice considering.

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.

I'm really glad I got to go abroad with CIS. The program was rather affordable and allowed me to experience going abroad for the first time. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture and language even when I was off campus and spending time on my own. When I was on campus in Japan, the program had plenty of events for us to partake in and learn more about the culture, like yukata wearing and a tea ceremony. My class was fairly challenging with the professor speaking almost all the time in Japanese, as it was a Japanese language course. The program staff were really friendly and provided me with guideance regarding acclimating to the train system, daily life in Japan, and traveling between cities. I felt very safe and not lost during my time on the program.

I had the opportunity to study abroad in both Japan and South Korea through CIS Abroad, and the two experiences were very different. 🇯🇵 Japan (J.F. Oberlin University) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ The sustainability class at J.F. Oberlin was excellent—engaging, informative, and definitely a highlight of the trip. However, there were several downsides: our housing was an hour from campus, no transportation stipend was provided, and CIS staff on-site were not very helpful, especially when I needed a TB skin test (which was not mentioned before the trip). The hotel conditions were poor, and overall, the experience felt disorganized. 🇰🇷 South Korea (Sogang University) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10) South Korea was amazing from the moment we arrived. The CIS staff greeted us at the airport, brought us to our dorms (right next to our classrooms!), and gave a proper orientation along with Sogang University. We got welcome kits, participated in fun group activities (including a night at the beach!), and were surrounded by Seoul’s top attractions. Free food from both CIS and Sogang was a huge plus. The entire experience was well-organized, fun, and immersive.

On this program made amazing friends and memories that I will hold close to my heart. I loved the school in Japan as well as in Korea. Professors were always very helpful and understanding. The program leaders were not always the most helpful they tried their best but felt they were lost half the time. I would recommend 10/10 just be ready to also be flexaible and be able to embrace change .

From the moment I learned about study abroad, I knew I wanted to participate in a program once I started college. The opportunity to not just travel to another part of the world but learn and earn credits while doing so was incredibly appealing. When I learned about the CIS Abroad Summer in Asia - Japan & South Korea program, I immediately applied, since visiting Japan was on my bucket list. Thankfully, I was accepted into the two-month program, which resulted in one of the best summers of my life. I met so many unique, smart, and kind people - some of whom I still keep in touch with today! | experienced new traditions, activities, music, and fashion; tried new foods and navigated my way around using public transportation. Studying abroad also helped me gain new knowledge, not only at the academic level, but on personal one as well. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and see the world through a different global perspective.