The CIEE Kyoto Open Campus program allows students to experience life in Japan's cultural capital while furthering their studies in a variety of academic fields. Students take two courses (3 sh each) per six-week block and participate in two or three blocks (12 or 18 sh total) per semester. To focus their studies, students select one of the following seven tracks of coursework: Art and Architecture; Business; Communications, New Media, and Journalism; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture; or STEM and Society. In addition to taking the course(s) in their chosen track, students can enroll in courses from other tracks. Most courses are taught in English. The CIEE Kyoto Global Institute also offers opportunities for students to engage in internships, research, or service learning projects for academic credit.

This program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) on behalf of an academic consortium of which the University of Iowa is a member. UI participants on the program join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. University of Iowa students earn resident credit for this program.

Academic Program

Academic Tracks

Students must select one of the following academic tracks:

• Art and Architecture
• Business
• Communications, Journalism, and New Media
• Global and Community Health
• International Relations and Political Science
• Language, Literature, and Culture
• STEM and Society

Block System

UI students must choose two or three academic blocks during either the fall or spring semester. Each academic block is six weeks long. Students need to take at least two courses per block, which typically equates to six semester hours per block.

Two Academic Blocks

• Two courses per block
• At least two courses in the chosen academic track
• Two additional electives
• CIEE Academic Project (internship, research project, service learning) is optional and can be used as an elective during the second academic block

Three Academic Blocks

• Two courses per block
• At least two courses in the chosen academic track
• Four additional electives
• CIEE Academic Project (internship, research project, service learning) is optional and can be used as an elective during the second or third academic blocks

Note: Although there is no required Japanese course, one Japanese language course is offered during each block (Beginning I in Block I, Beginning II in Block 2, Intermediate I in Block 3).

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit CIEE's program webpage.

Cultural Activities

Excursions

The academic program is supplemented with excursions to points of interest in and near Kyoto that highlight topics covered in class. Students may also participate in day trip to Nara, Ohara village, or Hiroshima. Students also have the opportunity to visit gardens in the Imperial Palace or hike up Mt. Hiei.

Volunteering

Students who wish to become involved in the local community can opt to volunteer. Common placements include youth centers, schools, churches, sports clubs, and nonprofit organizations.

Program Dates

Fall, Blocks I & II: Mid-August to early November

Fall, Blocks II & III: Late September to mid-December

Fall, Blocks I, II & III: Mid-August to mid-December

Spring, Blocks I & II: Early January to late March

Spring, Blocks II & III: Mid-February to early May

Spring, Blocks I, II & III: Early January to early May

For exact program dates, visit CIEE's program webpage.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

The CIEE Kyoto Global Institute

The Global Institute in Kyoto is located in the heart of the city and located within a 15-minute walk of Nijo Castle, the Imperial Palace, and the riverbank park by Kamo River. The center is 3 subway stops away from Kyoto’s main train station and a two-minute walk from where the city’s two subway lines intersect. At the Global Institute you’ll find classrooms, and the CIEE staff offices.

Kyoto

Once the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is now considered a major tourist destination and Japan’s cultural capital. This famous city is well known for its Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with a population of 1.5 million people.

Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Japan is the world’s tenth largest country by population, with 127.3 million people. Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is the world’s largest metropolitan area, with a population of 32.5 million people. Japan is the world’s third largest economy. Japanese companies in the top 100 of the Fortune ranking include Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor, Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Standard housing is included in the study abroad program fee. This includes homestays (with up to a 60-minute commute from the CIEE center) and shared dorms or apartments within a 20-minute walk from the CIEE center.

For an additional fee, students can opt for ‘select housing’ which guarantees a single room in the dorms or apartments. Please visit CIEE’s website to review details about included amenities.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website. The passport must be renewed before applying for the Spanish visa required for semester or academic year programs.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

Students book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA: Student must have at minimum a 2.5 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

The cost sheet (forthcoming) outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact your Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet for CIEE Kyoto Open Campus, Blocks II & III, Spring 2025

Cost Sheet for CIEE Kyoto Open Campus, Blocks I-III, Spring 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

 

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Application Deadlines

Fall and Academic Year: Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 15

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

Any students who will need to apply for a Japanese visa will need to wait until receiving their official admission letter from CIEE before they can begin applying for a visa. CIEE and the UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance and advising on the visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with CIEE regarding their visa requirements.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.