The Kyoto Center
Take a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty during this immersive semester in Kyoto. Choose from a wide range of subject areas and begin or continue your study of the Japanese language through courses embedded in the local environment, offering an interactive and comprehensive learning experience.
Throughout the program, receive hands-on support from The Asia Institute’s knowledgeable local program coordinators who will take participants on learning adventures to interesting and lesser known places beyond the tourist gaze.
- Experience the beautiful and historical cultural epicenter of Japan
- Engage regularly with Japanese locals
- Enjoy regular excursions to destinations like Tokyo and Hiroshima
- Learn through immersive courses that integrate the local environment
- Select from a robust set of course offerings within a variety of subject areas
- Benefit from hands-on, knowledgeable program coordinators
Once its imperial capital, Kyoto is one of Japan’s oldest municipalities. Located in the metropolitan region of Kansai, Kyoto blends tradition with modernity, attracting visitors with its unique cultural, historical heritage, and natural beauty.
Kyoto offers students a unique academic and cultural setting where centuries-old temples, traditional arts, and seasonal festivals coexist with contemporary city life. Living and studying in Kyoto allows students to experience Japanese culture in an authentic, everyday context while gaining independence and global perspective in a safe, walkable city known for its welcoming atmosphere and deep intellectual and artistic traditions.
Academics & Transcripts
Courses
The Kyoto Center offers a wide range of courses entirely taught in English with faculty bringing their experience as educators into the classroom. Each course will range between 3-5 credit hours depending on the weekly meeting times of the course. Students registered in The Kyoto Center will often select between 3-6 of the available courses per semester.
Transcript Information
The Asia Institute partners with Fitchburg State University to serve as the official School of Record for The Kyoto Center. After the conclusion of the semester, students will receive an official transcript from Fitchburg State University. Fitchburg State University is regionally accredited by The New England Commission of Higher Education.
Facilities & Meals
Participants will be housed in single-efficiency apartments that offer many amenities, including a kitchenette, private bathroom, desk, washing machine, a porch, and wifi. The housing facility is centrally located in the Imperial Palace/Nijo Castle area of Kyoto and within walking distance or a short commute to the academic building. Common amenities within the facility include a student lounge, study room, and cafeteria (which offers breakfast each weekday). Asia Institute Program Coordinators will be onsite daily to provide 24/7 support to students and reside within a walkable distance to the student housing.
Host Campus/Academic Facilities
Courses will be offered at a modern academic facility centrally located in Kyoto. In addition to classroom space, the facility also offers common areas and wifi.
Excursions & Activities
Throughout the program, students will participate in regular excursions and co-curricular activities, including visits to popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima. Often, a week in the program will include Monday-Thursday classes with an excursion on Friday or over the weekend. Arranged excursions during the program may also include 4-day/5-night visits to South Korea or Taiwan, based on student interest. Courses themselves are also designed to provide immersive learning experiences within the local community.
Fees, Inclusions & Exclusions
Program Fee:
Fall and Spring term fees are $22,500. Summer term fees are $9,500.
Please contact The Asia Institute for more information on applicable scholarship programs. Eligibility for a tuition match program is also available to select partner institutions.
Inclusions:
Academic terms and related program fees include the following:
- Tuition Fees & Official Transcript
- Housing and Accommodations
- Course Materials, Books & Academic Supplies
- Pre-Departure Support
- Introduction to Japanese Culture Pre-Departure Online Course
- Airport Pickup
- On-Site Orientation
- Included Excursions and Co-curricular Activities
- 24/7 Support from Local Coordinators
- 24/7 Emergency Response
Student Responsibilities
Students who register for an academic term at The Kyoto Center are responsible for their own:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Local Transportation
- Passport and Visa (if required)
- Personal Expenses
- Home Institution Study Abroad Fees (if required)
Scholarship opportunities
Please reference The Asia Institute scholarship website to identify if you may be eligible for existing scholarships offered.
FAQs
- 2.5 GPA
- Enrollment in a college or university
- Foreign language is not required
- No prior immigration violations in Japan
30 students
U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport for travel across the border. Stays in Japan that are less than 90 days do not require a visa. The Asia Institute will advise on any visa requirements and arrangements, based on the academic program selected. The Asia Institute can also recommend a visa processing agency for standard or expedited visa processing, if required.
The Asia Institute supports the health, safety, and wellbeing of program participants in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
- Reviewing specific needs with participants pre-departure
- Providing 24/7 on-site support by Program Coordinators
- Offering pre-departure & on-site orientations
- Maintaining a fully developed incident response & emergency procedures plan
- Providing weekly touch points with each student, to assess any concerns
- Mandating travel insurance (which can be provided by The Asia Institute for participants that do not have an alternate source of securing a travel insurance plan)
- Connections for on-site mental health support, if required
A pre-departure e-manual, including a comprehensive overview of the program as well as instructions for recommended program preparation, will be provided to all participants in advance of the program start date.
Disabled Students Support
The Asia Institute is committed to ensuring a wonderful learning experience for all students, including those with special needs. Previously, we have hosted students with hearing impairments and physical disabilities making every effort to prepare for the specific support required.
Program Materials
For all Asia Institute programs, we provide resources program materials including a Program E-Manual, emergency contact information, and a restaurant guide, to support students as they prepare for a meaningful and successful study abroad experience.
Program Staff
Testimonials
More Information
Email: info@asiainstitute.org
Call: 737-328-1388
Submit Form: Complete below form and we will get back to you with any questions you have.