Tokyo, Japan

Summer

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Hotel

Credits:

6 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

Japanese

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Tokyo will challenge you to experience the world in new ways as you immerse yourself in a culture that combines fast-paced modernity with age-old traditions. This program is excellent for serious students at all levels who seek to study Japanese language in an intensive 6-credit course. Course-related trips in and around Tokyo complement what you learn in the classroom, and help you gain knowledge of Japanese culture and society.

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Learn the Language

Enroll in one required 6-credit Japanese language course.

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Explore the Area

And discover the culture and traditions of Japan.

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Immerse in Culture

Experience the world in new ways.

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Live in a Hotel

Live in a single room in eastern Tokyo.

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

May 22 - July 05

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
8,375

Program Advisor

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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!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

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.

Learn More About Tokyo

Get to Know Your New City

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Visit Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Walk across one of the most recognizable pedestrian crossings in the world!

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Hike Mount Takao

And take a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

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Experience the Harajuku District

Enjoy this trendy fashion and shopping district.

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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.

Peruse the Tokyo Shinbun

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Housing

Tokyo Housing Hotel
  • Hotel

Hotel

You will live in a single room hotel accommodation conveniently located in eastern Tokyo. The hotel has restaurants and cafés on dedicated floors. A convenience store in the lobby that has a good selection of fresh foods and beverages. You may also choose to explore the various affordable local restaurants in the neighborhood. No meal plan is provided and cooking facilities are not provided.

Academics

You enroll in one required 6-credit Japanese language course, Japanese Language in Context. Courses are offered based on on-site student placement test results and usually include five to six language levels.

Wherever possible, our experienced instructors integrate course-related trips and project-based performance activities with regular coursework. 

Courses

This is a list of potential course offerings. The final courses and the student level placement will be decided after completion of a language placement test administered during orientation.

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.

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.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

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.

Learn More
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Field Trips

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. 

A small waterfall rushing down the side of a rock. Trees, a bridge, and a larger river sit in the background.

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.

Program Cost

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.

Summer 2025

Tuition
$
6,462
Housing
$
1,778
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
8,375

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

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.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Center

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. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Tokyo
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Tokyo. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Tokyo before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Japanese culture and get to know the other students.

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

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

May 22 - July 05

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs between 2.50 and 2.74 on a 4.0 scale will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a GPA below 2.50 are ineligible).
  • Sophomore, Junior, or first-semester Senior standing when program begins. Neither graduating second-semester Seniors nor college graduates are eligible for this program.
  • No previous Japanese language study is required 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

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.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

Picture of me on top of Krakus Mound - a great view of the whole city.
Jimmy Xu,

Thinking Out Loud

I write about my identity and how I see personal growth throughout the semester.

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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