CIEE – Kyoto, a Top Destination for American High School and College Students
CIEE – Kyoto, a Top Destination for American High School and College Students
CIEE Kyoto is one of the largest study abroad programs in Japan. In addition to English-taught courses on Japanese language,culture history, social sciences and STEM, participants can immerse themselves in Japanese culture and learn more about traditional arts such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, and taiko drumming. CIEE Kyoto programs also offers field trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden, giving students a chance to explore Japan’s history and artistic heritage.
As a “World Culture Free City,” Kyoto actively promotes intercultural understanding and multicultural coexistence. At CIEE Kyoto, students participate in volunteer activities that connect them with local schools and communities — including disaster preparedness workshops and regional events — fostering meaningful engagement with Japanese society. These experiences not only enrich the lives of international students but also open doors for local residents to enjoy genuine cultural exchange.
CIEE Kyoto's flexible programs range from short-term to long-term options, with strong support for homestays and language development. Students don’t just study Japanese culture — they live it, expanding their global perspective through daily interactions with the people of Kyoto. In this city where tradition and modern life harmoniously blend, true international education comes to life.
According to the CIEE Kyoto Center Director, Kyoto is one of CIEE’s most popular destinations. Interest among US students has expanded beyond anime and manga to include Japanese cuisine, automobiles, and hands-on cultural experiences.
CIEE Kyoto also offers public lectures and workshops open to both students and the general public. Programs such as the “Kyoto Through the Ages: Celebrating 1230 Years in the Ancient Capital” event invited participants — including residents and international visitors — to explore the rich history of this old city.
In collaboration with local educational institutions and organizations, CIEE Kyoto also organizes seminars on topics ranging from traditional arts to contemporary social issues and global exchange. Serving as a hub for lifelong learning, the center continues to enrich the cultural and educational landscape of Kyoto.
You can read an American student’s personal account of a tea ceremony experience, “Ichigo Ichie — A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter,” here:
For more information about CIEE Kyoto programs, visit:
https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/locations/japan/kyoto[*2]
Kyoto is now one of the most exciting and popular study-abroad destinations for American high school and college students — and its global appeal continues to grow.