Summer in Tokyo
Seisen University
Dive deep into Japanese culture
Explore a unique, refreshing, and incredibly exciting side of the world. Live in Tokyo, the world’s most populated greater metropolitan area and influential city with wide boulevards, bustling streets, all with an underlying order and cleanliness. Tucked away on the top of a hill in downtown, Seisen University’s lush green campus looks like it emerged from a cloud in a Miyazaki film. If you’d like to experience natural beauty, taste amazing food, see some wild style, and live in what many consider to be the most incredible city in the world, then this program is for you!
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Japanese
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Average Courseload: 1 course (3-6 US credits) per session
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
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Visa Requirements: NONE Required!
Highlights:
- Feel supported with Seisen's small class sizes and communal feel
- Japanese language classes to learn one of the world’s top in-demand languages
- Immerse at a local Japanese university, the "buddy" program being one of many ways to make friends
- Tranquil campus on a hilltop in the heart of bustling Tokyo
- Visits to ancient shrines and temples
Program Details
Seisen University
Located in the bustling city of Tokyo, Seisen University’s private hilltop campus feels serene. Founded in 1935, the university is the perfect location for summer study abroad. You’ll be in the heart of it all, with a peaceful escape from the electrifying city of Tokyo.
The University sits on the grounds of a former Samurai Mansion, in a park-like setting. You can easily get to the world-famous central Tokyo neighborhoods of Harajuku and Shibuya. On campus, bilingual Japanese students and professors will enthusiastically welcome you. The program is designed to spark and deepen your interpersonal connections with local students. With an internationally focused curriculum, the students at Seisen are globally minded and eager to learn from international students.
You’ll have have the chance to dive into Japan’s language, history, and culture first hand in an incredible setting. The campus is picturesque and unique for Tokyo. Many movies are filmed on campus, and many professional fashion shoots regularly take place in the gardens. You can also explore the rest of Tokyo and beyond; the train is just a short walk down the hill!
Accreditation: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
Areas of study with at least 2 classes available
- Humanities
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- Japanese
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Summer in Tokyo at Seisen University offers three separate two week sessions, all of which can be combined. You can easily find a session that fits with your schedule and goals!
Global Citizenship & Cross Cultural Studies (taught in English) is offered in session 1 and session 2.
Japanese Language is offered in all 3 sessions.
Course load: One class per two week session (3-6 US credits)
Course approval:
It is best to get your classes approved before you go abroad. This gives you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule. Think about courses required for your major, but also courses that fulfill your elective requirements.
Course descriptions:
At Seisen University you will have the opportunity to study intensive Japanese Language, or delve into the complex issues of Global Citizenship and Cross Cultural studies. Please choose one of the following courses for each session you plan to enroll in:
Japanese Language Course
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
This course is focused on modern spoken Japanese through aural-oral drills and exercises, and mastery of the basic grammatical structures. Emphasis on the spoken language, although there will also be exposure to enough of the Japanese writing systems to meet practical needs. The method of instruction will be a communicative approach, Proficiency Method, Direct Method, Jorden Method, TPR, VTS, etc. More advanced students will focus on reading Japanese newspapers and understanding other media outlets. There should be a minimum of four students per level per session in order to offer each level in each session. The course will also utilize Seisen University Japanese Teacher Training students as Teaching Assistants who assist the main instructor in the program. The course meets for at minimum of 45 hours per two week period and issues a transcript with grade from Seisen University for each session. Four Seisen University credits will be given per course per session.
Japanese Language Beginner – Syllabus
Japanese Language Intermediate – Syllabus
Japanese Language Advanced – Syllabus
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Global Citizenship & Cross Cultural Studies
In this course students will experience interdisciplinary studies based on global citizenship and cross cultural understanding. The course contents include class discussions about Japanese lifestyle and culture, global issues, multicultural understanding, cross-cultural communication, peace building, current events as well as current events analysis through the newspaper, and global citizenship as related to culture, environment, politics, drama, music and film. The course will meet independently weekly and will also join other on-going classes at Seisen University related to the course topics and together with Japanese students in order to enhance the learning and cross cultural experience. Each two week session will cover course contents as listed above but will have different discussions for those who continue for both sessions. The course meets for a minimum of 45 hours per two week period and issues a transcript with grade from Seisen University for each session. Four Seisen University credits (3 US credits) will be given per course per session.
Note: You can use course syllabi from previous terms as a good indication of what to expect for your semester, as they don’t typically vary too much from year to year. Once the new syllabi have been finalized they will be updated here.
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.
Housing in Tokyo
Location
Participants stay in single rooms at a local hotel in downtown Tokyo. Room sizes are modest, but do include an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, and a private space to relax and focus on work. Experience what it’s like to live in a cozy, space-conscious room that often feature fold-away furniture. The hotel is in a quieter neighborhood but within walking distance to Tokyo’s highly efficient public transportation system. Commute time to classes will be 25-30 minutes by train.
Depending on the timing of your program, you may stay in a different location than the one pictured, but the experience and amenities will be comparable.
Meals
The rooms each have kitchenettes that are equipped with the following so you can cook your own meals:
- Microwave, Dishes and a Kettle
- Frying Pan, Cooking Utensils
- Refrigerator
- Electric Cooking Plate
Inclusions and Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Bed linens
- CommutePublic Transportation
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Kitchenette
- LaundryOn-site
- Microwave
- Shampoo, Conditioner, & Body Soap
- Television
- Towels
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:
- Welcome dinner with Japanese University students
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Single room housing
- Seisen University Transcript
- 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
After a long flight, you’ll be warmly greeted by our on-site staff. We’ll help you settle in, ensuring you are mobile- and wifi-connected and have you check in with home. We’ll get a quick lay of the land, touring our apartments and visiting local convenient stores and markets for anything you may need. On your first full day, we’ll explore nearby neighborhoods, familiarizing ourselves with the subway and train systems. You’ll meet your Japanese “buddies” then we’ll enjoy a trip typically to Asakusa and a scavenger hunt. Orientation continues with a welcome dinner the first Friday night of the 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. We love to stay in touch, so although it is farewell for now it is not goodbye.
Program Excursions
Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, & Shibuya
Shortly after your arrival, we’ll set out to get a lay of the land, enjoying a tour of some of the top sites in Tokyo and its surrounds. Accompanied by our Japanese university students, we’ll head to the Meiji Shrine, the largest and most famous shrine in Tokyo. Next, we’ll cruise through Harajuku, one of the most famous fashion districts in the world. We’ll get the night started in nearby Shibuya, enjoying a welcome Izakaya party and a sampling of a variety of Japanese food.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Experience and learn about the tradition of the tea ceremony with fellow University students where you can perform some of the traditions, enjoy the pure form of Japanese tea and sweets in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony room on campus.
Asakusa
Together with local University students, this excursion will take us on a short subway ride to Asakusa, an area in Tokyo not far from the Tokyo Sky Tree where you will have free time for shopping, visit the famous Sensoji temple as well as the well known Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate) structure.
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
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.
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Our advising team 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!
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: Mar 1
- Arrival: June 10
- Departure: June 24
- Price: $3,890
- Application Deadline: Mar 15
- Arrival: June 24
- Departure: July 8
- Price: $3,890
- Application Deadline: Mar 15
- Arrival: July 8
- Departure: July 22
- Price: $3,889
- Application Deadline: Mar 1
- Arrival: June 10
- Departure: July 8
- Price: $5,590
- Application Deadline: Mar 15
- Arrival: June 24
- Departure: July 22
- Price: $5,590
- Application Deadline: Mar 1
- Arrival: June 10
- Departure: July 22
- Price: $7,590
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.