Sophia University - Summer Program

City: Tokyo Country: Japan

Sophia University - Summer Program Website

Overview

Since its foundation in 1961, Sophia University's Summer Session in East Asian Studies has provided an opportunity for students to study in Japan and explore the country’s relationship to Asia and the rest of the world.
The program takes place at Sophia University's Yotsuya campus, located in the heart of Tokyo.
Students experience various aspects of Japanese culture and society while witnessing how world cultures are reflected in Tokyo's dynamic urban landscape.
The summer session offers a unique opportunity to study in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, providing a rich cultural immersion.

When Can I Go?

Program Dates:

East Asian Studies & Japanese Language Courses

July 1 - July 22, 2026

Term Offered: Summer

U of A Application Status: Open
Deadline: Feb. 10, 2026

Partner Application Status: Closed until Feb. 9, 2026
Deadline: March 6, 2026 local time

Eligibility Requirements

Open to: All Faculties

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate

GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the terms with your 24 most recently completed credits, faculty-specific requirements, or partner university requirements, whichever is highest.

Note: Sophia Summer Program admission GPA is 2.8.

See Eligibility.

Fees & Costs*

Nomination Fee: $250

Program Fee: Link for fee schedule. Fees differ for language classes and East Asian Studies

Accommodation: Link for housing

PROGRAM TOTAL: Please see Sophia website for more information

Important Fee Information:

International students, please reach out to Student Services for fee information

Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements and any additional costs, including visa fees, vaccinations, medical coverage, books and supplies, meals, entertainment, and incidental expenses.

*Fees are subject to change

Program Information Language of Instruction: English and Japanese

There is a wide range of courses to choose from, including topics such as history, culture, language, and society. Some examples include:
- Education in Japan – A study of the educational system and its cultural context in Japan.
- Global Sustainability Outlook and Practice in Japan – Exploring Japan's approach to global sustainability.
- Japanese Popular Culture – An examination of trends in Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, and contemporary media.
In addition to these, students can choose from many other courses, offering a diverse selection that spans various aspects of Japanese life and studies.

Students can also experience traditional Japanese arts like Noh, Kabuki, and the tea ceremony, as well as museum visits and field excursions in Tokyo.

Read more about the program, schedule, and courses here.

Sophia University - Summer Program Information

Yuichi Kurimoto Award for Japan Business Students:

Bachelor of Commerce students may be eligible for a fully funded experience.
Award value will be dependent on the length of the program and program costs.

Sophia University Credit Information

Housing

Participants need to arrange their housing. Sophia's dorm is not available to short program participants. A list of the accommodations where the former participants stayed is available here.