None, but a basic working knowledge of hiragana and katakana alphabets is required.
Visa Required:
Yes
About the Program
Expand your understanding of Japan by immersing yourself in the language. At Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS), you will take a 8-credit Japanese language course and one compulsory 3-credit course specially designed for IES Abroad students. You'll also have the opportunity to take two English-language area studies courses focusing on popular culture, economics, history, political science, and contemporary society.
Study in Makuhari
Take classes taught by international faculty.
Live with the Locals
Live in an apartment.
Field Observations
Students will observe and report on what they see in a Japanese...
Tokyo Will Be Your Classroom
Apply your lessons when you explore popular local sites.
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
September 02 - December 21
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Sarah Duran
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
None, but a basic working knowledge of hiragana and katakana alphabets is required.
Visa Required:
Yes
About the Destination
Why Tokyo?
Tokyo is a city uniquely its own. It can appear straight from the future with its ultramodern skyscrapers, bright lights, and technology. Mix that with well-maintained and cherished traditions, like tea ceremony, festivals, and kimonos still worn in the streets, and you have a glimpse of Tokyo. Explore all of this and more in this one-of-a-kind city while living and attending classes in Chiba, just a train ride away from both the bustling city center as well as the vast and peaceful countryside.
Walk across one of the most recognizable pedestrian crossings in the world!
Hike Mount Takao
And take a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Experience the Harajuku District
Enjoy this trendy fashion and shopping district.
Spend a Day on Odaiba
Walk across Tokyo Bay on the striking Rainbow Bridge.
Tokyo Newsletters
Get a taste for what it's really like to study abroad. The IES Abroad Tokyo Center regularly sends out a newsletter called the Tokyo Shinbun. To see students experiencing the city, read through the latest volumes.
Live with Japanese university students, other IES Abroad students, and young Japanese professionals in a privately managed coed building. Each apartment suite of 3-4 residents is single-sex, and offers single rooms. You will share a kitchen, bathroom, and washing machine with your roommates. There is also a large communal kitchen, communal bath, and student lounge for all residents to use. Meals are not included.
Homestay
Live with a host family and forge life-long friendships while you learn about Japanese customs, manners, and cuisine. Hosts provide breakfast and dinner seven days a week. Accommodations vary by placement. Homestays are only available during the Fall semester and are limited.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Japanese language, history, and culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. World-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Partner Institution
Kanda University of International Studies
Kanda University of International Studies
Founded in 1987, Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) is a private university dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in International Studies, Foreign Languages, Intercultural Communication, Japanese Culture, and Linguistics. It is a modern and vibrant university with international faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The university enrolls approximately 3,100 graduate and undergraduate students; all students study a second language. It features modern computer facilities, a library, a sports and recreation center, and a cafeteria.
KUIS is located in Makuhari, a short train ride from Tokyo and near the IES Abroad Tokyo Center. Commute times will vary based on the location of your housing option. Expect commute times to range between 30-90 minutes. KUIS is a five minute-walk from the IES Abroad Tokyo Center.
NOTE: knowledge of both Hiragana and Katakana is a required prerequisite for taking Japanese language courses at KUIS. Self-study materials from KUIS will be provided to students in the program.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Tokyo, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Hiroshima, Miyajima & the Seto Inland Sea
4 Days ($)
Fall
Hiroshima is a modern, lively city with lessons for humanity. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and learn from residents about the moving, human side of the city's wartime experience. Visit Miyajima to enjoy the beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World...
Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Matsumoto Castle
4 Days
Spring
Visit the gardens of Kenrokuen and the old tea houses of Higashi-Chayagai in the historical city of Kanazawa on the west coast of Honshu. Enjoy making Japanese sweets and experience local crafts using gold leaf. Stay at a traditional Japanese onsen in the...
Tokyo City Tour
1 Day
Fall & Spring
From exploring Sensoji, one of the city’s most popular temples, to encountering the contemporary areas such as Odaiba and the Tokyo Tower, there is much to experience in this metropolis. Come discover the traditional and modern parts of Tokyo.
Nikko
2 Days
Fall & Summer
Visit the spectacular Shinto Shrine, Nikko Tosho-gu, experience a Japanese ryokan with hot springs, and view some of the country’s beautiful mountain scenery.
Kamakura
1 Day
Spring
Visit the site of the first shogunate (warrior government), the home of the Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha statue), and some of the most famous gardens and temples in Japan.
Experiential Learning
Leah W.
Field Placement Program
The IES Abroad Tokyo Centers offers a unique opportunity for students to do a Field Placement at Japanese organizations throughout the semester as part of the SO/AN 391 - Social Organization of Japan with Field Placement course. This is NOT an internship. You will be observing a Japanese organization for 8-10 hours every week in addition to the SO/AN 391 seminar course, which meets every other week. Students with higher level Japanese abilities may also be able to participate in certain office-placed tasks.
This Field Placement requires a serious commitment on the part of all participants in terms of attendance which may require a commute, compliance with professional dress codes, and workplace guidance from supervisors.
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa and consular fees (estimated costs based on current consular rates, subject to change)
$44
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,100-1,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$310
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,700
Homestay
$1,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$750
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$200
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,500
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa and consular fees (estimated costs based on current consular rates, subject to change)
$44
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,300-2,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$620
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$7,400
Homestay
$3,600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$1,500
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$200-400
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$5,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa Application Fee (U.S. Students)
$43
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,100-2,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$100
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,300
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$1,400
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,500
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Tokyo Center is located in Makuhari, a modern city in Chiba prefecture, which is in the Greater Tokyo Area. Easily accessible by public transportation, the Center is your study abroad hub.
Field Placement Program, Homestay & Customized Programs Coordinator
Risa Katori
Student Affairs Coordinator
Hyung-Hye Lee
Student Affairs Manager
Daiji Shin
Associate Director
Natsuko Takahashi
Administrative Assistant
Theresa Wanner
Student Success Coordinator
Asako Nemoto
Customized Program Assistant / External Outreach Coordinator
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs between 2.99 and 2.75 on a 4.0 scale will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a GPA below 2.75 are ineligible)
Must be currently enrolled in a four-year degree granting institution
Sophomore, Junior, or first-semester Senior standing when program begins. Neither graduating second-semester Seniors nor college graduates are eligible for this program
Prior Japanese language knowledge is not required for the program but is strongly recommended; all students must have a basic working knowledge of hiragana and katakana alphabets before the program begins
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Color Copy of Your Passport — Submit a copy of the signature page and photo page only showing that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date. Must have a valid passport at the time of application.
Official Financial Support Letter— This must be from a bank or your school's Financial Aid Office stating that you have sufficient funds to study in Japan for your program's duration. More information on this can be found in your MyIESabroad account.
Passport-Style Photos— These must be recent and taken professionally. More information on photo requirements can be found in your MyIESabroad account.
If your cumulative GPA is below 3.0, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation —Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay— Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
