Japan
Dates
May 18 – June 17, 2025
Subjects
Intermediate Japanese, Japanese Culture, Art, Architecture, Gender Studies, Asian Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Japan program offers students an opportunity to discover the multidimensional images of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In addition to regular classes, students will attend ancient accessory making workshops, tea ceremony, and visit educational institutions and historical sites.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
Located in the center of Japan, Gifu City is surrounded by pristine nature, with the clear Nagara River flowing through the city center and the lush green Mt. Kinka towering in the distance, It is also known as a city of history and traditions, such as 1,300-year-old Ukai (Cormorant fishing) and Gifu Castle, one of Japan’s designated national historic sites.
Built in 1615 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle is famous for its grand castle tower boasting the largest total floor area in history, and the gorgeous Honmaru Palace. In addition, it functioned as a fortress with an ironclad defense and was the first castle to be designated as a national treasure. Even after the original castle was lost, and destroyed by fire in the war, it has been designated as a special national historic site and an example of one…
Located in the middle of Japan and one of the three largest cities in Japan, Nagoya is easily accessible with its substantial public transportation network. From historical tourist attractions to popular commercial facilities and original cuisine, there are plenty of things to see in Nagoya.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,195 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining passport ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $400-$750 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“It’s like getting a crash course in thousands of years of history, while also getting up close and personal with culture and language. Anyone with a desire for learning can’t go wrong choosing the KIIS Japan program.”
– Nick, Japan
“Savor the moments abroad while they last because before you know it, it will be gone. Studying abroad is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to see and do things that you’ll never be able to do at home. Cherish the friendships that you make, and be as friendly and outgoing as possible to both leave a good impression and make the most of your experience. If you don’t try to make the most of the journey, why go in the first place? ”
– David, Japan
“I am in love with this city and so blessed to call it home for a month.”
– Sunny, Japan
“The best part about KIIS is the friendships I’ve made. I’ve met very wonderful people and I’m happy we share such an amazing bond!”
– Marissa, Japan
“My time in Japan was unforgettable and life-changing. From the friendship that was created with my host family to the rich culture and firsthand language experience, my time in the KIIS program will have a lasting, positive impact on all of my future endeavors.”
– Holly, Japan
“Traveling to Japan was my first time out of the U.S. and it was one of the most exciting and memorable trips I’ll ever take. I made friends and memories for a lifetime.”
– Garrett, Japan
“I wanted to go to Japan because ever since middle school I was fascinated with their culture and country. I really loved Asian history as well as their anime culture.”
-Abby, Japan
“KIIS Japan was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much. The friendships I made on my trip are lasting ones, not just with the other members but also with the host families and people we met along the way. I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have loved to go on more of these study abroad programs!”
– Laura, Japan
In Japan, Kentucky is perhaps most associated with its fast-food avatar, KFC. Ever since 1974,…
Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated with Japanese culture; all my…
Brandon Mitchell, an aspiring composer studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the…
This past Monday, my fellow KIIS members and I took the train to Nara to…
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 18 – June 17, 2025
Subjects
Intermediate Japanese, Japanese Culture, Art, Architecture, Gender Studies, Asian Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Japan program offers students an opportunity to discover the multidimensional images of Japan to gain insight into its complex and dynamic culture and society. The program will visit Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In addition to regular classes, students will attend ancient accessory making workshops, tea ceremony, and visit educational institutions and historical sites.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
Located in the center of Japan, Gifu City is surrounded by pristine nature, with the clear Nagara River flowing through the city center and the lush green Mt. Kinka towering in the distance, It is also known as a city of history and traditions, such as 1,300-year-old Ukai (Cormorant fishing) and Gifu Castle, one of Japan’s designated national historic sites.
Built in 1615 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nagoya Castle is famous for its grand castle tower boasting the largest total floor area in history, and the gorgeous Honmaru Palace. In addition, it functioned as a fortress with an ironclad defense and was the first castle to be designated as a national treasure. Even after the original castle was lost, and destroyed by fire in the war, it has been designated as a special national historic site and an example of one…
Located in the middle of Japan and one of the three largest cities in Japan, Nagoya is easily accessible with its substantial public transportation network. From historical tourist attractions to popular commercial facilities and original cuisine, there are plenty of things to see in Nagoya.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,195 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining passport ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $400-$750 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“It’s like getting a crash course in thousands of years of history, while also getting up close and personal with culture and language. Anyone with a desire for learning can’t go wrong choosing the KIIS Japan program.”
– Nick, Japan
“Savor the moments abroad while they last because before you know it, it will be gone. Studying abroad is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to see and do things that you’ll never be able to do at home. Cherish the friendships that you make, and be as friendly and outgoing as possible to both leave a good impression and make the most of your experience. If you don’t try to make the most of the journey, why go in the first place? ”
– David, Japan
“I am in love with this city and so blessed to call it home for a month.”
– Sunny, Japan
“The best part about KIIS is the friendships I’ve made. I’ve met very wonderful people and I’m happy we share such an amazing bond!”
– Marissa, Japan
“My time in Japan was unforgettable and life-changing. From the friendship that was created with my host family to the rich culture and firsthand language experience, my time in the KIIS program will have a lasting, positive impact on all of my future endeavors.”
– Holly, Japan
“Traveling to Japan was my first time out of the U.S. and it was one of the most exciting and memorable trips I’ll ever take. I made friends and memories for a lifetime.”
– Garrett, Japan
“I wanted to go to Japan because ever since middle school I was fascinated with their culture and country. I really loved Asian history as well as their anime culture.”
-Abby, Japan
“KIIS Japan was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much. The friendships I made on my trip are lasting ones, not just with the other members but also with the host families and people we met along the way. I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have loved to go on more of these study abroad programs!”
– Laura, Japan
In Japan, Kentucky is perhaps most associated with its fast-food avatar, KFC. Ever since 1974,…
Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated with Japanese culture; all my…
Brandon Mitchell, an aspiring composer studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the…
This past Monday, my fellow KIIS members and I took the train to Nara to…
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Term | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Architecture, Art/Art History, Asian Studies, Gender & Women's Studies, Japanese, Japanese Culture |
| Location |
