Japanese Study Abroad Programs in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto JaLS, located in the center of the bustling and modern city of Kyoto, offers students the chance to study Japanese conversation and culture. No previous experience is necessary and classes are offered for all levels and age groups. Courses begin every Monday and students choose from our 11 different programs, including: Standard Course * Standard + Private Course * Traditional Culture Course * Pop Culture Course * Fashion Culture Course * Travel Japanese Course * JLPT Preparation Course * Winter Course * Spring Course * Summer Course * Autumn Course Learn standard Japanese from our certified teachers and interact with Japanese locals during school activities. This creates the perfect environment in which to improve your Japanese speaking ability and learn about Japanese culture. Come join us in beautiful Kyoto!

Have the opportunity to study abroad by joining one of our Non-Profit, Low Cost, Direct Study Programs in these top destinations – Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, and France. These are offered throughout the year to university-level students from around the globe, with the option to enroll in a weekly, monthly, summer, quarterly, semester, or academic year term. Stay in low-cost housing on campus or at a nearby apartment or hostel. You can also stay with a host family to experience the local way of life in your host country. You can earn academic credit for completing any of our study abroad programs. Upon completion, you will receive (or request) transcripts, certificates, or letters of attendance. If you need an official transcript sent to your school back home, be sure to request this and provide the exact mailing address. Do you wish to know more? Please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

The NRCSA Center in Kyoto has been teaching the Japanese language to foreigners since its establishment in 1969. Students come to study from all over the world with a variety of goals. Many of them have taken what they have learned, and applied it in areas such as business and research, while many others have gone on to continue their education at colleges, universities, graduate schools, and research centers all over Japan. All teaching staff meets the requirements of the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education, an association aimed at improving the quality of Japanese language institutions by training school personnel and granting approval to those who meet the standards. The center was recognized as an accredited school by the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Justice in 1981 and as an intermediary for immigration-related procedures in 1987. In 1989, the same year as the establishment of the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education, Kyoto Center received certification as an educational institution for the Japanese language.

Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Land of the Rising Sun through hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka and day trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima! They explore Japan from the feudal to the modern period with courses individually selected to appeal to most of them! Our instructors are experts in Japanese culture and language and are committed to providing them with a safe and unique abroad experience they will remember for a lifetime! World Class Programs is a study abroad program that gives high school students safe, educational, and worldly experiences. This is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds excited about immersing themselves in Japanese culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program will offer various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, and Japanese language and cuisine.

Step into one of the world’s most dynamic destinations with our 5-week Japan Mini Semester. Designed for students aged 17-22 seeking a meaningful gap semester or alternative study abroad experience, this program offers a powerful blend of cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and personal growth in Japan. From Tokyo’s ultra-modern buzz to Kyoto’s ancient temples, and into the heart of the Japanese Alps and Hiroshima’s legacy of resilience, you’ll live and learn alongside local communities, engage in meaningful service, and reflect on your own potential. Through workshops in leadership, sustainability, and global awareness, you’ll build confidence and skills that last far beyond the program. With all logistics managed, experienced mentors leading the way, and opportunities for optional college credit, this immersive experience will leave you inspired and connected to a culture that honors tradition and embraces the new. Inquire now to explore a gap semester unlike any other... in Japan.

Your First Year Abroad program in Kyoto lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live and learn in Kyoto! Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, filled with ancient temples, serene gardens, and streets that tell stories from over a thousand years of history. Spend 12 weeks wandering through the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, discovering the art and architecture of Kiyomizu-dera, and savoring seasonal delicacies at Nishiki Market. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Kyoto is the perfect place to spend a semester abroad.

The Summer Japan and Korea Seminar is a unique and fun way to broaden your learning about international business outside the four walls of a classroom. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the program is packed with incredible opportunities. While traveling abroad, learn about Japanese and Korean culture, history, customs, politics, and international business practices. Most importantly, observe how these practices differ from the United States. Global Learning Opportunities (GLO) programs provide a variety of unique opportunities: Network with business executives by visiting global companies to learn about how business is conducted and the challenges that come with running a multinational organization. Earn university credit while applying the knowledge you've learned in the classroom to real-life business settings. Gain a competitive advantage for your career by experiencing international policies, political climates, and international business environments while building confidence, cultural understanding, and an ability to adapt to a variety of situations.