CIEE-Kyoto
Program Details
| Program Location |
Kyoto, Japan
|
| Sponsor |
CIEE |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Duration |
Semester
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Spring 2026 |
01/05/26 to 03/28/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
Experience a city where timeless tradition meets modern innovation when you study abroad in Kyoto, Japan. Stroll through tranquil Zen gardens, visit centuries-old temples, and dive into the world of manga at the internationally renowned Kyoto International Manga Museum. Sip matcha in historic teahouses, wander the atmospheric streets of Gion where geisha culture still flourishes, and engage with top-tier academics and research opportunities. With its peaceful ambiance and rich history, Kyoto study abroad offers an unforgettable journey that sparks curiosity, fuels creativity, and opens doors to new perspectives.
While abroad, students may complete a part-time internship in Kyoto, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
The spring semester in Kyoto runs from early January to late March, and fall semester runs from early September to late December.
Students may choose from two program options in Kyoto:
Modern & Ancient Japan
Semester in Kyoto
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
CIEE.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
GPA Requirement:
2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Liberal Arts]
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
All semester students in Kyoto will take 4 courses, for a total of 12-14 credits.
Students may choose from course offerings at the CIEE study center, and while offerings are not extensive, students interested in Japan and Japanese culture will find plenty of interesting course options including:
- Communications
- History, Philosophy & Religion
- Japanese Language & Culture
- Social Sciences
- Internship Seminar
- Directed Independent Research
Please note that while CIEE offers the opportunity to take online coursework through ASU Online, Purdue students are not permitted to enroll in these options during the program and must take their coursework directly through CIEE.
Excursions
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto will open doors for you to explore Japan's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Travel to the summit of Mt. Hiei to view all of Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and Enryakuji Temple
- Visit the nearby city of Nara, home of Nara deer park, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine
- Shop for traditional Kyoto sweets, pickles, and other goodies at Nishiki Market
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change.
Housing
CIEE Kyoto offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From apartments within 20 minutes of the study center to homestays a train and/or bus ride away, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation,shops,cafés, and eateries.
For meals, students in apartments will have a kitchenette and access to local eateries and grocery stores. Students in homestays will be provided two meals per day by their hosts.
Some housing options carry an additional fee, see CIEE website for more information.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. Fees listed below are for the Ancient and Modern Japan program. Semester in Kyoto fees are similar, but may have slight differences.
The program fee includes tuition, standard housing, orientation, pre-departure and on-site support, insurance, cultural activities and excursions.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Spring 2026
|
Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$11,056.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$914.10 |
| Housing |
$3,250.00 |
| Insurance |
$194.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per semester
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$1,600.00 |
| Local Transportation |
$200.00 |
| Books and Supplies |
$200.00 |
| Meals |
$1,284.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$500.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Fall Semester Programs |
Mar 1 |
| Spring Semester Programs |
Sep 15 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
