Film Study Abroad Programs in Tokyo, Japan

Upon going with a random group of people to a different country I had little to no expectations. However my experience far exceeded anything. Spending time in Tokyo was one of the most eye-opening and personally expanding experiences I’ve had. I was based around Daikanyama, Iidabashi, and Shinjuku, and I could feel how much care goes into everything, from tiny cafés to the way the trains run. Being that far from home pushed me to be independent. I figured out the transit system and Japanese-only appliance labels on my own, and I got more confident every week. One of the biggest lessons was in cultural communication. Japanese communication is often more indirect and context-driven than what I’m used to in California. A lot of meaning lives in tone, timing, and what isn’t said. I learned to pay attention to body language, to bow and say thank you the right way, and to be patient and polite even when we didn’t share a language. Even a few phrases like “sumimasen” and “arigatou gozaimasu” opened doors, and people were so generous when they saw I was trying. When words failed, translation apps, pointing, and a lot of smiling got us through. It taught me that real communication is about respect and effort, not just vocabulary. I came home a more attentive listener and a more adaptable communicator. As someone who’s always loved art history, I was also blown away by how much art and design are woven into daily life in Tokyo. You don’t have to go to a museum to find it. Daikanyama and Shinjuku are full of minimalist storefronts, clean concrete lines, and quiet architecture that makes you slow down and notice the space around you. Then you walk into Asakusa and the traditional side hits you. Senso-ji and the old wooden streets around it show centuries of craftsmanship, and the contrast with the glass-and-neon energy of Shibuya a few train stops away is wild. Seeing old and new sit side by side, and feeling how each one shapes the mood of a neighborhood, changed the way I think about design and creativity. I spent my free days wandering, finding galleries, boutiques, and little corners I’d never have found on a typical tourist route. Some of my best memories came from getting a little lost and stumbling onto something beautiful. If you’re thinking about going abroad, do it. You’ll learn more about yourself than you expect, and you’ll come home with a bigger sense of what’s possible. I left Japan in July already planning my return.

My experience in Japan was excellent and I feel as if I still got the same quality education I would've in my home state. All of our activities were well curated and managed, leaving me with a rather immersed and culturally informed memory to reflect back on.

In the summer of 2025 I traveled to Tokyo on a study abroad program through the same company. We studied communications in foreign environments and group communication. Although I know some Japanese already it is not enough to hold complex conversations so there were many situations we had to think on our feet and find tools to help us navigate Tokyo. It was an amazing learning experience and opportunity.

The program made studying abroad super easy and stress-free. I met so many amazing people on this program—including the professors. The professors were friendly and helpful! I had a memorable experience that will never be forgotten!

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!

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.

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!

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, 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!

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'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! 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

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!

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 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 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. 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, 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. 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!

I feel I was able to learn a lot of valuable lessons through this experience. I've grown in maturity, independence, and learned how to adapt when things didn't work out the way I expected. I felt this program taught me how to take charge and flourish in newfound confidence. With CIEE, the communication was always available and staff were friendly and kind. However with the activities, I did find we were a bit pressed for time with a majority of them due to starting late. Despite that, the activities and day trips were super memorable and fun! Overall, I'd highly recommend this program.