January in Tokyo -
J.F. Oberlin University

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Unlock Japan's Richness: Embrace Japanese Language or Dive into Anime & Pop Culture!

Experience the wonder of Japan during your winter break and earn course credit while living and learning in the heart of Tokyo. Pick up some Japanese language skills or appreciate anime and Japanese pop culture with your cohort. Take classes from local professors and learn both in and out of the classroom. This program is based in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's top entertainment districts, home to many of the city's tallest skyscrapers and the world’s busiest train station.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

1 Course (3 U.S. Credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.50

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

Earn Japanese language credits in a short amount of time

Experience the variety of Japanese cuisine, beyond sushi

Experience a center of Japanese anime culture in Akihabara

Quiet campus located in the heart of Tokyo

Meet Japanese students and develop a tight-knit community

I learned so much about Japanese culture, enjoyed interacting with the students, and cherished each and every moment. I love interacting with people from different cultures and hearing their stories and how they want to be change agents in the world.

Jamielle Davis

Program Details

January in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

J.F. Oberlin University - Shinjuku Campus

J.F. Oberlin University was founded in 1946 based on the principles of ministry, education, and philanthropy, operating by the motto "Learning to serve others and working for the common good." At J.F. Oberlin University, students grow and learn not only in the classroom but through excursions and activities such as cultural encounters and exchanges with locals. There is variety of clubs and events that contribute to an engaging, holistic campus life experience that blends Japanese and global cultural influences.

J.F. Oberlin University is a private four-year university with approximately 10,000 students among one main campus and two branch campuses. This program takes place at the Shinjuku branch campus. Located in the center of Tokyo, Shinjuku is one of the liveliest areas of the city in terms of business, commerce, and entertainment.

Course Information

Browse Courses

Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Tokyo Housing - Hotel

Overview

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

Part of your experience will include sampling some of the amazing cuisine that Tokyo has to offer on this program! While participants should budget for eating out, hotel rooms will each have some basic appliances for preparing light meals and snacks. The following are provided so you can prepare some of your own meals when not dining out or taking advantage of campus meal services: microwave, electric kettle, and mini fridge. Hot plates may be available upon request.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Ensuite Single Room

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
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
Two excursions within the city of Tokyo
Jacksonville University official transcript
The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival, we'll get a lay of the land, touring our apartments and visiting local convenient stores and markets for anything you may need. Shortly after you've settled in, we'll explore nearby neighborhoods, familiarizing ourselves with the subway and train systems. We'll likely then set out for an excursion (see "Program Excursions" for potential options). 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

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Asakusa

Together with local University students, this excursion will take us on a short subway ride to ...

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Japanese Tea Ceremony

Experience and learn about the tradition of the tea ceremony with fellow University students where ...

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Japanese Alps Excursion - Extended Program Option

Those looking for an extended January in Tokyo can opt for a new session offering that includes ...

Learn More

Site Director

Steve Hamade

Tokyo, Japan Site Director

About:

Hailing from Toronto, I spent the first part of my life in Canada. Armed with a BA in Philosophy, I eventually joined the JET Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) to explore my Japanese-Canadian heritage. I anticipated a brief 2-3 year stint, aiming to pursue an MBA thereafter, but shifted course and transitioned from rural Japan to Tokyo. My trajectory encompassed two roles in private education companies. I'm thrilled to be partnering with CIS Abroad. Family inspires me, and I'm a sports enthusiast who cherishes karaoke and onsen - major factors that tied me to Japan, along with meeting my wife and starting a business.

Travel Tip:

I always try to adjust to the time difference prior to arrival by pulling an all-nighter either the night before my flight or during the flight as required. I used to always pick up a good book or two as well, but now I just carry my kindle.

Your Support Staff

Britni Purcell

Program Enrollment Coordinator - South Korea & Japan

Travel Tip:

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!

Alexandra Woolner

International Operations Senior Director - Asia Pacific (Australia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea)

Travel Tip:

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.

Kaylee Klinger

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

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.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

January in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

Unlock Japan's Richness: Embrace Japanese Language or Dive into Anime & Pop Culture!

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Jamielle Davis

Program Details

J.F. Oberlin University - Shinjuku Campus

Course Information

Life in Tokyo

Live the Local Life

Japanese Gardens in Tokyo

Mt. Fuji

Largest Fish Market in the World

Japanese "Onsen" (Hot Spring)

Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Housing - Hotel

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Site Director

Steve Hamade

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Britni Purcell

Travel Tip:

Alexandra Woolner

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

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January in Tokyo -
J.F. Oberlin University