Semester in Tokyo
Toyo University
Tokyo has it all: culture, food, night life, nature... and so much more.
Japan is a land of endless contrasts and extremes, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore a unique, refreshing, and incredibly exciting side of the world. Study and live in Tokyo, the world’s most populated greater metropolitan area, a vibrant and bustling city, yet impressively orderly and clean. Make your home base at Toyo University, a local Japanese university with a global focus.
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Japanese
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Average Courseload: 5-6 courses (15+ U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
Highlights:
- Program based in the heart of Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the world's most populous city
- Intensive Japanese language courses, one of the world’s top in-demand languages
- Japanese cultural events and interactions with Japanese students organized by the university
- Variety of courses taught in English, combining local, regional, and global contexts
- Exceptional student support from both university and on-site staff
Program Details
Toyo University
Founded in 1877, Toyo University aims to foster “globally talented individuals” through their three pillars: Philosophy education, internationalization, and career education. Toyo University’s founder, Dr. Inoue Enryo, is one of Japan’s most celebrated philosophers. With nearly 32,000 students it is easy for international students to feel like getting a real Japanese university experience with opportunities to interact with local students at every turn.
Toyo University is one of the largest private universities in Japan, with its student body spread across five campuses. The campus that CIS Abroad students study at, Hakusan, is located in a central location of Tokyo. The Hakusan campus offers easy access via public transit to some of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods – Shibuya, Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. While the city can be a sensory overload, students at Toyo University can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the calm, refined and picturesque Hakusan campus. Toyo University’s Hakusan Campus was designed to be conducive for learning and thinking. Students have access to the university’s sleek and modern buildings surrounded by lush greenery. Sky Hall is the tallest building on campus and offers students a spectacular view of Mt Fuji during the day and iconic Tokyo cityscape views in the evening.
Toyo University offers students a vibrant and extensive student life. Students have the opportunity to join one of Toyo’s 100+ student organizations, volunteer programs, and other extracurricular activities. The university hosts a multitude of events to provide international students with firsthand experience of Japanese culture, some of which include sumo lessons, weekend homestay, language exchange partner program, and Japanese calligraphy experiences.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- Art & Design
- Education
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
- Business
- Communications
- Natural & Applied Sciences
- World Languages
- Humanities
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Course Offerings
A variety of courses are available at Toyo University, in both English and Japanese.
The following list includes courses previously offered at Toyo University: Business Communication, Cross Cultural Studies, Business Entrepreneurship, Gender Studies, Globalization & Global Studies, Human Relations, International Relations, Political Science, Urban Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, and much more.
Content Courses Instructed in English
To begin preparing your courses at Toyo, please refer to the Study Abroad Course & Registration Information website.
From this website, you can see the information on course credits, downloadable syllabi, and courses offered. A final list of courses for a specific term does not usually come out until a few weeks before the program starts. However, courses are usually the same term to term, so looking at a past term’s course offerings will give you a good idea of what is available.
Content Courses Instructed in Japanese
Students with advanced Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1 or N2) are able to enroll in regular courses taught solely in Japanese. Please contact us for details.
For students taking Japanese language courses, it is recommended that students begin the program having taken at least one semester of a university level Japanese language course. Students who have never formally studied Japanese must master hiragana and katakana characters before arriving in Japan if they would like to take Japanese language and culture courses.
Educational materials recommended for students beginning study of the Japanese language:
Japanese Foundation e-learning: Hiragana
Japanese Foundation e-learning: Katakana
Japanese Language Courses (NEST)
Toyo University offers a variety of intensive Japanese language and culture courses for students who have not passed level 1 (N1) or level 2 (N2) of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Japanese language courses are offered at the following levels:
Beginner
Elementary
Low Intermediate
High Intermediate
Courses available at all levels:
Integrated Japanese (4 credits)
Japanese Reading and Composition (1 credit)
Japanese Listening Comprehension (1 credit)
Kanji Literacy (1 credit)
Project Work (1 credit)
Course available at Beginner-Elementary level:
Japanese Culture and Society (2 credits)
Course available at Low Intermediate-High Intermediate level:
Introduction to Japanology (2 credits)
Distinguishing Course Offerings Per Semester
For courses outside of the NEST program:
Kindly note that all courses offered at Toyo are semester courses. Courses marked with “I” are offered in Spring, and “II” are offered in Fall. There is no prerequisite system in Toyo, though starting with the courses marked “I” is preferable, in the case that the professor will reference this course material in the course marked with “II”.
For courses within the NEST program:
Courses with a “I” and “II” simply refer to the semester which the course is offered, similar to the note above. “I” courses are offered in Spring, and “II” courses are offered in Fall. The content in the course will be the same. For instance, Integrated Japanese I will offer the same exact content as Integrated Japanese II, they are simply offered in different semesters.
Why Life in Tokyo
Huge, stylish, exciting, bold, and incredibly fun, Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind city. The Tokyo metropolitan area is the most populous place in the entire world, and it’s home to absolutely everything. You can step from a bustling market into a quiet park, from a frenetic dance club to a serene temple. The best thing to do in Tokyo is to embrace it all, including the food, the festivals, and the karaoke. It would take several lifetimes to explore all that Tokyo has to offer, but CIS Abroad will show you some of the best sites during your time in Tokyo. Every day will be filled with unforgettable sights and scenes, Tokyo style.
You can spend your free time visiting world-famous markets, shrines, and museums. For a more low-key experience, ride a bike around a quiet neighborhood, where you can interact with street vendors, food cart owners, and friendly residents. Your time in Tokyo will fly by, and we guarantee you’ll always want to come back. The city is that special!
Live The Local Life
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Japanese Gardens in Tokyo
The Imperial Palace Higashi (East) Gyoen (garden), Shinjuku Gyoen, Kiyosu Teien, Hamarikyu, Rikugien. Asianesque garden beauty is laid out and provides a serene feeling of Japan and Asia.
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Mt. Fuji
Ride the fastest Japanese train, the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo station to Shin Fuji station. At the station, you can see a dynamic view of Mt. Fuji. Climb up to the top of the mountain to see more amazing views of Japan. Take the Bullet train further to Kyoto city. Stay overnight in a Japanese inn, and walk around the ancient capital city.
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Largest Fish Market in the World
Be sure to go to Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo. It is the largest fish market in the world. Try to get to the market early so you can watch the auction for freshly caught giant tuna fish. Enjoy the freshest sushi possible and/or the market's exceptional ramen!
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Japanese “Onsen” (Hot Spring)
Take a train to Hakone and Atami, less than one hour ride from Tokyo. In Hakone and Atami, there are a number of traditional Inns where you can enjoy hot springs and authentic Japanese cuisine. Tokyo has some good spots too.
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Tokyo Sky Tree
The world highest free-standing broadcasting tower. The height of the tower is 645m. Take the elevator up to the top “TEMBO DECK” (observatory deck) so you can have a complete panorama view of Tokyo.
AI House International Dormitory Single Room
Location
This unique housing arrangement combines great amenities, support, privacy, and community. Residents enjoy modern amenities including communal kitchens, studios (music and multi-purpose), study rooms, and appliances. On hand are Resident Assistants (RA) who will support your daily life as residents. In addition to helping you feel comfortable and supported, RAs also organize various programs, including seminars and field trips. You’ll also have plenty of spontaneous interactions with fellow residents, half of whom are international and half local. Each dorm room is single occupancy and is fully furnished. Bathrooms and shower rooms are shared among each gender-specific dorm floor.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner are provided on weekdays in the dormitory dining hall. Enjoy tasty and nutritious meals created by professional chefs to fuel both brain and body. A variety of freshly cooked Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes are available. Vegetarian and halal options are available for an additional fee.
Inclusions and Amenities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- BathroomShared
- Bed linens
- Desk
- LaundryOn-site
- Maintenance Service
- Meal PlanPartial
- Microwave
- Private Room
- Study Areas
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
- Welcome dinner
- Housing in university dormitory: single room and partial meal plan
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Toyo University transcript
- Japanese traditional tea ceremony
- Medical and accident insurance
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Predeparture orientation
- Airport pickup
- On-site support
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
You will be picked up at the airport upon arrival, get a lay of the land, touring apartments and visiting local convenient stores and markets for anything you may need. Shortly after you’ve settled in, explore nearby neighborhoods, familiarizing yourself with the subway and train systems. Orientation continues with an excursion and a welcome dinner the first week in the fun fashion district of Shibuya!
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
Though you’re not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system, especially after having lived in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo! We’ll walk you through some of the things to expect when readjusting to whatever you’re going back to (if you can actually pry yourself away from Japan) and rehash your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights.
Program Excursions
Yokoso to Tokyo!
Yokoso means “Welcome” in Japanese! So in this first activity, we will be doing our Tokyo Orientation and welcome meal while exploring both traditional and famously fashionable modern parts of the city! Let’s first show you how to take the famous Tokyo trains and travel to the popular Harajuku station and walk over to Meiji Shrine, one of the most well-known and peaceful Shinto Shrines in Tokyo and all of Japan! Let’s relax in the middle of the city at the most peaceful place at the Shrine, the Meiji Shrine Inner Japanese Garden which features a teahouse, bonsai tree display, lots of nature paths, a koi pond, and some traditional gazebos where we can chill out while digitally going over the Orientation PowerPoint. After this, let’s walk through the famous and fun Takeshita street in Harajuku and through the fashion district of Omotesando , and then over to the most famous fashionable area of Japan – Shibuya where we will cross one and only Shibuya Crossing and embark on a walking tour of central Shibuya – especially the dynamic Shibuya Center gai area- while also stopping at various places to eat delicious Japanese food. What’s on the menu? Let’s visit a standing sushi shop and try some of our own choices, then let’s make and eat okonomiyaki and learn about the importance of katsuo and dashi in Japanese cuisine, then let’s try some street food that everyone loves like kushiage – Japanese fried chicken, and various types of yakitori – different kinds of food on a grilled skewer. Finally, we will finish with obanyaki sweets for dessert while touring the underground food area of Shibuya station – Shibuchika! Let’s eat while learning and going around Shibuya!
Fall & Spring into Zen
Let's Do Washoku!
Trip to Kamakura
Let’s go to the most famous city outside of Tokyo – Kamakura during the beautiful Fall season! This city is a very popular destination for its temples, shrines, and historical monuments. We’ll Fall into colors such as red Japanese Momiji maple trees as we visit the most famous shrine – Tsuruoka Hachimangu. Then, let’s have lunch at Komachi Street. We will then go to the famous Hase Temple (Hase Kannon Temple). Finally, we will visit and enter the Great Buddha statue
Sayonara Tokyo Cruise
We will finish off the semester cruising the night away on a traditional boat ride called Yakatabune!! We will reminisce on what we learned and our memories in Japan while watching the Tokyo skyline go by as we feast on many delicious Japanese foods! We’ll see the lights of Odaiba, the gorgeous Tokyo Tower at night, the brilliant Rainbow Bridge, and the towering Tokyo Sky Tree, all while remembering so many things we learned, things we did, and the people we met
Tokyo Furusato Matsuri (Hometown Festival)
Site Director
Travel Tip:
When choosing places to travel, venture to locations with a culture entirely different than your own, where the language, food, behaviors, traditions, ways of thinking, and ways of working and living are totally foreign to you. The experience will be transformative in good ways and stay with you for a lifetime.
Travel Tip:
When choosing places to travel, venture to locations with a culture entirely different than your own, where the language, food, behaviors, traditions, ways of thinking, and ways of working and living are totally foreign to you. The experience will be transformative in good ways and stay with you for a lifetime.
About:
Originally from New Jersey, Jeff attended Rider University where he studied Business Administration. After graduation, he started working for a small college in northern New Jersey where he started the Office of International Programs, study abroad programs, language programs, and established international exchange programs. He was sent to tour Asia to establish international educational exchanges and continued expanding exchanges over the course of the next decade. He then moved to Tokyo, where he continues to develop programs and support systems for students studying in Japan.
Your Support Staff
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
Find ways to connect with your host community – the language, everyday activities, common gathering places. You’ll discover that you can gain the most genuine and life-long friendships just by trying to immerse yourself into the culture.
I highly recommend learning some of the language, even a few phrases, before going abroad for an extended amount of time. Don’t be afraid to mess up speaking – though you will likely say something wrong and hilarious (I’ve got too many instances in Korean to count), that’s part of the process and the locals will definitely appreciate the genuine effort!
Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Sep 30
- Arrival: March 23
- Departure: August 5
- Price: $14,890
- Application Deadline: Feb 22
- Arrival: September 6
- Departure: January 31
- Price: $14,890
- Application Deadline: Sep 30 (Estimated)
- Arrival: March 21 (Estimated)
- Departure: August 3 (Estimated)
- Price: $14,890 (Estimated)
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.