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Tokyo - Language & Culture
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
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.
You must take 15-18 credits per semester. Courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- Japanese language course at KUIS (required, 6 credits)
- Japanese language elective courses at IES Abroad Center (must be placed in 300-level Japanese or higher, optional, 2 credits each)
- English-taught IES Abroad area studies courses or KUIS area studies courses (optional, credits vary)
- Field placement and required seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Japanese-taught Digital Hollywood University area studies course (optional, no credit)
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 will meet 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. If you’d like to read a former IES Abroad Tokyo student’s Field Placement experience, take a look here.
Courses
This is a list of potential course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSES AT KUIS (6 CREDITS)
JP 101 Japanese Language in Context: Novice Abroad I
JP 201 Japanese Language in Context: Novice Abroad III
JP 301 Japanese Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad Ⅰ
JP 401 Japanese Language in Context: Independent Abroad I
To learn more about IES Abroad’s philosophy for teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN 310 - Gender and Family in Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN 343 - Japanese Manga and Animation | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN 362 - Japanese Popular Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/AN 391 - Social Organization of Japan with Field Placement | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR 351 - The Arts and Society in Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AR/US 355 - Understanding Tokyo Through Photography | Fall | English | 3 |
| US/AR 353 - Architecture, Urban Planning, and Development in Modern Tokyo | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS 320 - Japan Through Film | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FS/CX/AS 321 - Contemporary Japan on Screen | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| HS/GS/AS 341 - War & Memory in Modern Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/CX/AS 321 - Contemporary Japan on Screen | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 320 - The Contemporary Economy of Japan | Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES/HS 339 - Environmental History of Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/CX/AS 321 - Contemporary Japan on Screen | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/GS/AS 341 - War & Memory in Modern Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES/HS 339 - Environmental History of Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| HS 336 - History of Tokyo | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| HS/GS/AS 341 - War & Memory in Modern Japan | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 340 - History of Japanese International Relations | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/HS 340 - History of Japanese International Relations | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP 321 - Listening Comprehension | Fall, Spring | Japanese | 2 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK 325 - Key Features of Japanese Marketing Strategy | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO 310 - Contemporary Urban Society in Japan | Spring | English | 3 |
| SO 363 - Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/AN 391 - Social Organization of Japan with Field Placement | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR/US 355 - Understanding Tokyo Through Photography | Fall | English | 3 |
| US/AR 353 - Architecture, Urban Planning, and Development in Modern Tokyo | Spring | English | 3 |
KUIS AREA STUDIES COURSES
Depending on your schedule, you may enroll in English-taught area studies courses at KUIS that are 1.5 credits per course.
Offerings vary each semester, and the course schedule is determined by KUIS shortly before the start of each semester. For this reason, it is not possible to preregister for these courses before you arrive in Tokyo. Recent courses have been offerend in the following disciplines:
- Anthropology
- Culture Studies
- History
- Religion
KUIS reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond its control.
DIGITAL HOLLYWOOD UNIVERSITY
IES Abroad students with sufficient Japanese language ability can opt to audit a Digital Hollywood University (DHU) course for no credit. Courses are taught in Japanese. Established in 1994, DHU is a private university in central Tokyo that specializes in digital communications including film, animation, and video game design.
Possible courses may include the following:
- 3D Modeling I
- Basic Design I
- Graphic Design I
- Original Character Design Practicum
- Practical 3DCG
- Practical Animation
- Practical Game Development I
- Practical Photography I
- Practical VFX I
- Practical Video Production Basics A
- Practical Web Programming I
- Practical Website Markup
- Practical Website Styling
- Programming in CI
- Video Camera Techniques I
DHU reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond its control. Courses at max enrollment capacity may not be available for IES Abroad students to audit.
Partner Institution(s)
Kanda University 神田外語大学
www.kandagaigo.ac.jp
Founded in 1987, 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 an 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, library, sports and recreation center, and cafeteria.
Location and Commute Time
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.
Field Trips & Events
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. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations:
Hokkaido
4 Days | Fall
One of the top popular vacation spots for Japanese and international tourists alike, Hokkaido is the second largest island making up the Japanese archipelago. Hokkaido is known for beautiful nature and greenery as well as indigenous Ainu culture. It is also a destination for foodies with fresh ingredients from both land and sea. The 4-day trip will include activities in Otaru and Sapporo before returning back to Tokyo.
Okinawa
4 Days| Spring
Visit this southern island known for its unique cultural traditions, historic fortresses, and tropical weather beaches. Participate in a music workshop and performance, and visit a local university.
Nikko
2 Days | Fall
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.
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.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Makuhari and the greater Tokyo area is doing our best to make you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you places to enrich your cultural and academic learning—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Wondering what it's really like to study abroad in Tokyo? Check out the recent issue of our Center newsletter, the IES Tokyo Shinbun!
Orientation
The program begins with a specially designed, three-day orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad staff, your fellow students, KUIS, and the city of Makuhari in Chiba, as well as exploring parts of Tokyo.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Housing
Residence Halls - Live with Japanese university students and young professionals—each hall is configured differently. All are single-sex, privately managed, and offer single rooms with shared common spaces and bathrooms. This option includes an additional cost to cover the cost of meals. The residence halls offer a meal plan that provides breakfast and dinner from Monday through Saturday (no meals are provided on Sundays or public holidays). The cuisine features typical Japanese set menus. There is also a common kitchen for student use, and rental refrigerators are available for student rooms for an additional cost.
Homestays - Live with a host family and forge life-long friendships while you learn about Japanese customs, manners, and cuisine. Accommodations vary by placement. Hosts provide breakfast and dinner seven days a week. Homestay opportunities may be limited and have an additional cost to cover the cost of meals.
Apartments - 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.
Commuting
Whether staying with a host family, a residence hall, or an apartment, you will likely commute 40 to 90 minutes, as do most Japanese residents in the greater Tokyo area. From the apartments, your commute will likely be 50 to 60 minutes. If you have particularly high commuting costs, you will receive a monthly subsidy from IES Abroad.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Tokyo through our cultural events, such as:
- Art & Culture Series - Special classes and demonstrations are held throughout the semester for you to experience the traditional arts of Japan. These may include ikebana (flower arranging), shodō (calligraphy), fūrin (glass bell making), origami (paper folding), sadō (tea ceremony), and chōchin (paper lantern making).
- Guest Speaker Series - Distinguished speakers are invited each semester to address IES Abroad students. Past presentations have included “A Brief History of Gender and Sexual Minorities in Japan” and "Japan in the Asia-Pacific: The Politics of Identity"
University Clubs & Events
IES Abroad students have access to all KUIS facilities and receive a KUIS student ID that entitles them to student discounts on museum entrance fees, the cinema, theatrical performances, and rail travel.
While you’re in Tokyo, joining a club or program is a great way to meet local students and practice the Japanese language. Here are a few recommended ways to get involved:
E-pal Program – Partner with a Japanese student to help you meet local students. You are introduced to your E-pal via email one month before the program begins. Your Japanese E-pal then meets you after arrival and serves as your cultural resource throughout the term. We strongly encourage you to sign up for an E-pal and start your cultural and linguistic preparation before departure.
Student Council – Students at the Tokyo Center elect an IES Abroad Tokyo Student Council, which receives funds to be used for student events. Past councils have held photo contests, sponsored softball games with Japanese students, headed fundraising drives to benefit local charities, and hosted holiday parties.
Get to Know Your New City
Enjoy Art & Culture in the Roppongi District
Known as a shopping destination with excellent restaurants, Roppongi also has a thriving and lively art scene. When you visit, be sure to check out the Mori Art Museum and Observatory, as well as Tokyo Mid-Town.
Hike Mount Takao
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo? Take a day trip to Mount Takao, where the views are breathtaking.
Experience the Harajuku District
Make your way to this trendy fashion and shopping district (a must!), but be sure to see the popular Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park.
Learn About Tokyo at Edo Tokyo Museum
Observe the history of Japan’s great capital city from the Edo period to modern times inside this beautifully-contemporary building.
Spend a Day on Odaiba
Take a walk across Tokyo Bay on the striking Rainbow Bridge (where you’ll take in fabulous views of the Tokyo skyline) to explore this island filled with museums, theme parks, shopping malls, and more.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Adelyn Dougherty Leander Need-Based Urban Issues Scholarship
Open to students who have an interest in urban studies (a major in urban studies is not required).
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Tokyo, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Tokyo Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Tokyo experience.
The IES Abroad Tokyo Center is located in Makuhari, a modern city in Chiba prefecture, which is in the Greater Tokyo Area. The area around the Center has easy access to public transportation, plus offers many public amenities, like shopping and dining, a movie complex, a game arcade, parks, the beach, and open spaces to relax and hang out.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study in the library
- Bring your lunch to eat on the outdoor patio
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
Our Staff
Caleb Foale
Center Director
Caleb Foale was first appointed as Center Director in 2015 and his personal and professional experiences span the globe. Born in Britain, he grew up in the UK and New Zealand, graduating from the University of Otago in New Zealand with a degree in Politics. He then carried out research and postgraduate study in Japan and Australia. While in Australia, he earned two Master’s degrees—an M.A. in Strategic and Defense Studies from the Australian National University and an M.Ed. in TESOL from Queensland University of Technology. He also spent a significant amount of time living and working in Brazil, before his return to Japan in 2000. He graduated with an M.B.A. from the University of Leicester in 2016. He worked on an education related project in the Philippines from the latter half of 2018 to early 2019, and brings extensive experience in teaching and management in tertiary education to our Tokyo Center.
IES Abroad Tokyo Staff
Daiji Shin
Associate Director
Mariko Ishikawa
Field Placement Program, Homestay, and Customized Programs Coordinator
Hyung-Hye Lee
Student Affairs Manager
Risa Katori
Student Affairs Assistant
Natsuko Takahashi
Center Administrative Assistant
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 what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" 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.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI 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
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
AT A GLANCE
Latest from Tokyo
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
