Global Experiential Learning

Study Abroad in Kyoto, Japan, Spring 2025

Earn 12-15 units of academic credit while you travel April 7–May 31, 2025!

Why Study in Kyoto

Japan’s cultural capital of Kyoto has it all, from meditative zen temples and teahouses to the world’s first Manga museum and world-class game leaders like Nintendo and Q-Games. Studying abroad in Kyoto creates a unique experience for students in a picturesque city nestled in a valley with hiker-friendly hills dotted with World Heritage sites.

Program Dates

• Monday, April 7, 2025 program starts in Kyoto (must depart U.S. no later than Sunday, April 6)
• Saturday, May 31, 2025 program in Kyoto concludes (students must depart homestays) 
• June 2 - June 27, 2025 coursework continues online 

Program Theme & Description

Data Analytics for Social Good: From Information to Impact

Embark on a transformative journey with Foothill College's Spring 2025 Study Abroad Program in Kyoto, led by Foothill College professors Eric Reed and Laurence Lew. Dedicated to "Data Analytics for Social Good," this program merges technology and business acumen with immersive cultural experiences. Courses taken here will contribute to a Data Analytics Certificate, with a special emphasis on utilizing data analytics to foster social change. The program integrates practical data skills with rich cultural exploration, creating an unparalleled, interactive educational experience that equips students with valuable, sought-after expertise. 

Dive into a community where innovation thrives, guided by experienced faculty with a rich history in service leadership and personalized education. More than just academic enrichment, this journey is about personal growth and creating social impact through data-driven insights. Students will return home with a global perspective, poised to make a meaningful difference in a variety of fields. Join us for this educational adventure in Kyoto, where data meets social change.

Program Faculty

• Laurence Lew, Business & Computer Science
• Eric Reed, Computer Science & Math

Potential Courses Offered

• BUSI 11 Introduction to Management Information Systems (5 units) - Honors BUSI 11H section too! 
• BUSI 12 Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Decisions (4 Units)
• MATH 10 Statistics (5 Units)
• CS 3A Object Oriented Programming in Python (4.5 Units)
• CS 31A Introduction to Database Management Systems (4.5 Units)
• CS 48A Data Visualization (4.5 Units)
• CS 78A-D Special Topics in Computer Science (1-4.5 Units) 

Program Host

Foothill College is partnering with CIEE to support our students and faculty during this Spring 2025 Study Abroad program. CIEE Kyoto is centrally located in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike and features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary WiFi and printer acess. CIEE Kyoto is also only two minutes from the closest subway station and a 10-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River and the former Imperial Palace. 

Beyond the Center, students will find CIEE Kyoto is situated in the perfect spot in downtown Kyoto, making it easy to explore every inch of the city. From Nanzenji and Kiyomizu to the east, Arashiyama and its amazing bamboo forest to the west, Ohara's stunning temple gardens to the north, and Nintendo's headquarters in the south, students will have easy access to the area's most important landmarks and attractions. 

Application and Costs

As part of the application process, please complete the interest form to tell us a bit more about yourself. If you meet the initial program eligibility criteria, you will be added to a program Canvas site where you will find more information and the the complete program application.

Pre-Application Interest ForM

Tuition, Fees and Cost

Total Program Fee: $6,950 + Foothill Registration Fees (variable)

• Application deposit (reserve your spot): $100 - due at the time of application (non-refundable) 
• Program deposit (confirm your spot): $500 - due by October 15, 2024 (non-refundable after deadline) 
• Final payment deadline (remaining program fees): $6,350 due by December 1, 2024 (non-refundable after deadline) 
• Enrollment Fees & Tuition: Variable by units and residency status – see Student Fees & Tuition

Program Components

Included in program & registration fees

12-15 units of academic coursework:

• Transferrable with transcript from Foothill College
• Lectures in classrooms in the CIEE Kyoto Center
• Faculty-led field trips, integrated experiential (out-of-the-classroom) learning opportunities in places of great cultural interest, and service learning/volunteer opportunities in local charities and NGO’s working on community projects, in charity shops, with food banks and environmental projects.

A cultural program consisting of:

• Pre-departure and on arrival orientations from CIEE hosts and Foothill faculty, including a comprehensive student information packet with culturally relevant information for living in Kyoto
• Bi-weekly cultural activities, including guided walking tours, a sushi-making class, a Taiko Drumming Class, and opportunities to meet local University students. 
• A day-long field trip to Hiroshima, with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a talk with an atomic bomb survivor, and a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Park.
• Additional optional (some free/some fee-based) cultural activities and guided field trips in and around Kyoto.

Lodging and Other Accommodations

• Accommodation in a shared single or double room in a homestay, with breakfast and dinner with the family, laundry privileges and free wi-fi./li>
• Kyoto Transport travel pass and/or tokens, valid for transportation to/from the homestay to scheduled activities. 
• 24/7 CIEE emergency service with both a local number to reach on-site staff and toll-free number in the U.S.
• Student medical insurance policy

Not included in program fees

• Airfare (should budget for $1,100 RT from SFO)
• Meals not listed above 
• Travel insurance (Cancel for Any Reason Insurance highly recommended)
• Textbooks/course materials
• Personal spending money
• Anything else not named above

Program Eligibility

Open to adults of all ages, experiences and physical capabilities who:

• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Are able to travel abroad (hold/able to obtain a passport)
• Will enroll in a minimum of 12 units of the coursework offered as part of the Foothill College Kyoto Program (see above)
• Are ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Questions?

For more information, please reach out to the Office of Global Experiential Learning at globalexperiences@fhda.edu