IES Abroad: Tokyo - Language & Culture
IES Abroad
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(For American Students)
Tea ceremony, calligraphy, music, dance, and martial arts—Japan is a medley of culture, old and new, that you can explore during your time in Tokyo. Live and learn in this exciting city where the past mingles with the future, and the ultra-modern ... read more
All Reviews
I gained lots of language skills Zev R - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I became much better at Japanese language, became familiar with how to live and commute in a city like Tokyo, and got more comfortable trying new and unexpected things. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My language skills improved quite a bit, and I learned how to play traditional Japanese drums and shamisen. The memories I made in Tokyo will last a lifetime. Kate Lucas - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
Definitely advanced my language abilities and learned a lot about Japanese culture. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned about the Japanese Language and Japanese art like I wanted to. I learned a lot from my E-pal who was very nice and helpful. I would say it was somewhat worthwhile but overall very difficult. A student - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I learned a lot about various aspects of Japanese society and culture and got to experience many of them firsthand. I had plenty of opportunities to practice Japanese, of course, and my language skills greatly improved thanks to the immersion. The best part about the program for me was all the people I met and the many lifelong ... A student - Harvey Mudd College View Entire Review
I learned how to manage cultural norms--an hour commute to school in Japan is considered normal; hour-long train rides are normal; packed trains are normal. Allen Chen - Occidental College View Entire Review
I gained friends, another family in a different country and experience. But overall, I gained a new found love for a culture and country that isn't mine and I can't wait to visit again. Samekh - University of Rochester View Entire Review
I was able to learn about tolerance and opening my eyes to a different way of living where the social norms and standards were completely different from mine. I learned how to adapt to these changes and incorporate my own way of life into this period. I frequently had to explain certain American concepts to my Japanese friends a... Iris C - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My study abroad program was completely worthwhile. Going into the program, my goal was to become more in touch with my cultural heritage, and I certainly did so. I also got to learn a lot about the Japanese people and had the opportunity to travel to many different Japanese cities so see how life differed around the country. A student - University of Rochester View Entire Review
I learned that communication and languages are probably the most powerful things on this planet. If you are able to talk to people from all over the world, you have given yourself a huge edge in being one step closer to an enlightened understanding of the world. Learning this has definitely helped me figure out what I want to do... A student - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I am able to speak a lot more Japanese. I can hold conversations with Japanese people. I learned how to navigate Japan's vast transit system. I also gained a lot of confidence from this trip. I learned that I was able to adapt in a culture completely different from my own. Brooke W - Texas Lutheran University View Entire Review
Language, a lot of language. Yes twas' quite worthwhile. A student - University of Hartford View Entire Review
My experience was definitely worthwhile, I gained many new friends and memories and feel more developed as an individual. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained lifelong friends and family. I also gained more knowledge on why Japan developed into what it is today and how this impacts the citizens. It was worthwhile because studying a country from your home institution is very different from traveling to the country and learning about their history. Khalia Bowles - Spelman College View Entire Review
I think I really improved my language skills by talking to people both on and off campus, so I definitely think it was worthwhile! Amy Sanders - University of North Texas View Entire Review
I really improved my language skills, as well as learned many new things about Japan and the United States. It was definitely worth it! A student - University of Puget Sound View Entire Review
I definitely learned how to be much more independent and also I became more confident in myself. Matthew - Augsburg University View Entire Review
I improved my Japanese language skills, got to learn about a completely different culture and society, and grew personally- becoming more independent and self reliant. A student - Lafayette College View Entire Review
From my internship, I learned a lot about Japanese work/life culture, I learned how to navigate the transit system, I tried new foods every day and literally was exposed to something different each day. Samantha G - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My language skills certainly improved and I feel I also became more independent and confident. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. It was nice to experience another culture so that I can give my own culture some context. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
More than I can write in this box. The most worthwhile experience of my life. Wouldn't trade it for anything! A student - University of Washington View Entire Review
I learned that my country is not the only one that we should focus on in the world and that many other people have their own bubbles that they focus on. A student - Occidental College View Entire Review
I took a lot with me from this program. I learned that learning a language is one of the hardest things a person can do, I learned a whole lot about myself, I learned when it's actually an earthquake or when it's just the bus rumbling the ground around it. I learned so much and it was absolutely worthwhile. Emily - Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State View Entire Review
About
Expand your understanding of Japan by immersing yourself in contemporary Japan and its culture—and what better way to learn the Japanese language? At Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS), you take a 6-credit language course specially designed for IES Abroad students (with the option of taking up to 12 credits of language), plus area studies courses taught in English. The English-language course offerings look at Japan from the point of view of popular culture, history, politics, and the arts. 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.
Tokyo will be your classroom. Visit Tokyo’s traditional hot spots, like the temple at Asakusa, the gardens of the Imperial Palace, and the Meiji Grand Shrine. You can also learn about Tokyo’s younger generations by visiting popular districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Harajuku.
We want you to feel at home in Tokyo, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Our ePal program introduces you to a local student before you even arrive! Your ePal teaches you about Japanese culture, and helps you practice your Japanese language skills. You can also enroll in Social Organization in Japan and the field placement program, which provides you with first-hand experience in a Japanese organization. We also take you to places in and around Tokyo that you might not experience on your own.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Japanese
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Asian Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Japanese Language, Literature
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
- Marketing
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.75Website
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