Overview
Old and new. Traditional and ultra-modern. Japan is a country of amazing and exciting contrasts and a fantastic place to spend your summer.
Tokyo, the economic, technical, and political hub of the country, is truly one of the world’s most vibrant and fascinating capitals—and a fashionista’s or gastronome’s delight! With homestay options, cultural activities and exceptional cross-cultural and language training, you can pursue your academic interests while immersing yourself in a challenging, enriching international experience.
With CIEE summer study abroad in Japan you will:
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Learn through a liberal arts and Japanese language curriculum integrated with daily activities; outstanding introduction to Japanese society, culture, and language
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Benefit from the CIEE student service and resource center at the CIEE Study Center, located on the Sophia University campus in the heart of Tokyo
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Visit the Meiji Shrine, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and contemporary and traditional Japanese arts events, including the tea ceremony and taiko drumming; and cultural excursions outside of Tokyo
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Enroll directly in classes at the prestigious Sophia University, alongside Japanese and other international students. In addition to a Japanese language learning class, take advantage of the university’s full curriculum, with subjects ranging from an Art History and Anthropology, to International Business, Literature, Religion and Political Science.
Cultural Activities
To enhance cultural learning during the summer study abroad program, Sophia University arranges visits to the Meiji Shrine, a tour of Tokyo, and events that give students exposure to traditional Japanese arts. Past activities have included Noh, Kabuki, a tea ceremony, and flower arranging. In addition, CIEE arranges events with a contemporary focus such as excursions to Akihabara, the Ghibli Museum, and a Japanese baseball game.
Homestay
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture than by living with a local family. With single and group homestay options you’ll get a unique look at Japanese life, eating traditional meals, taking part in traditional customs and forming relationships that endure long after your program has ended.
Credit
Total recommended credit for the summer is 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
Course contact hours are 45 hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course.
Program Requirements
Study abroad students are required to take two courses during the summer session, taught in English. Optional beginner and intermediate Japanese language courses are also offered.
About Tokyo
Contemporary Japan is a land of intrigue. This is a country that has mastered the ability to balance both ancient traditions and ultra-modern conveniences. Where else is it possible to participate in a traditional tea ceremony against a backdrop of suburban sprawl that contains some of the largest corporations in the world? Tokyo, Japan’s capital and economic hub, is a shining example of how old traditions and new high-tech culture meld to create one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Where You’ll Study
Sophia University, a private Jesuit institution, is one of the preeminent universities in Japan with over 10,000 students from around the world enrolled. CIEE study abroad students take courses through the Faculty of Liberal Arts. Located in central Tokyo near Shinjuku, the Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace, Sophia’s Yotsuya campus includes a library, computer labs, faculty and administrative offices, classrooms, and sports grounds. The CIEE Study Center, located on campus, provides support to CIEE students studying at Sophia University.
Housing & Meals
The CIEE Study Center at Sophia University has two housing option for summer 2012. All final housing placements are announced on site during orientation.
Hotel Accommodation—Housing and breakfasts are included in the study abroad program fee. Other meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Students stay in a hotel approximately 30 minutes from campus. Students are housed in single rooms with private shower/bathroom. Shared laundry facilities are available in the hotel. High speed Internet access is provided. Commuting fees from the program hotel to Sophia University are covered in the program fees.
Japanese Homestay—Japanese homestay families typically live within a 60-80 minute commute of Sophia University. Some homestay families live in traditional older homes, while others live in small, modern apartments. Accommodations are comfortable, but some may be smaller or more crowded than one might be accustomed to. The homestay families vary, but generally have traditional family structures. Many have hosted CIEE students before. Some homestay families enjoy hosting more than one college student, with each student having his/her own room. Students have their own room with desk and chair, and bed/futon. Laundry facilities are available. Families provide two meals daily. Commuting fees from the host family’s house to Sophia University are covered in the summer program fees.
Academic Program
Based at Sophia University, this study abroad program provides students a supportive environment in which to study at one of Japan’s top-ranked universities while experiencing life in Tokyo. CIEE participants enroll in Sophia University’s Summer Session of Asian Studies alongside Japanese and international students. The CIEE Resident Staff also organize a special orientation and various cultural activities designed to introduce students to the many different facets of Japanese society.
Academic Culture
Students enroll in two, two-hour courses held daily from Monday through Friday (and two Saturday sessions). Students should limit personal travel to nearby destinations on weekends and reserve more extensive travel until after the program has ended.
Academic Culture
Students enroll in two, two-hour courses held daily Monday through Friday (and two Saturday sessions). Students should limit personal travel to nearby destinations on weekends and reserve more extensive travel until after the program has ended.
Nature of Classes
Participants take classes with CIEE, Japanese, and other international students.
Grading System
Assessment is based on exams, quizzes, presentations, and papers. Letter grades of A-F are given.
Language of Instruction
English
Faculty
All courses are taught by Sophia University faculty.
