HOUSING AND MEALS

Participants are housed with Japanese families providing an invaluable opportunity to experience the Japanese culture and society in a way that a tourist cannot. Whether living in a traditional Japanese-style house in the suburbs or a modern, high-rise apartment in the center of the city, the student will be immersed in Japanese life.

CIEE participants have rated the homestay as one of the most important components of their time in Japan. This is a rare opportunity to improve language skills, learn about local customs and culture, and become an adopted member of a Tokyo family. Host families provide breakfast and dinner during the week as well as three meals on the weekend. A stipend is provided for lunches during the week.

HEALTH CARE

Sophia University has a health center and there are many competent doctors and modern hospitals in Tokyo. Participants must be adequately covered by health insurance that is valid in Japan during the period of their stay.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

Besides a chapel in the Main Building, St. Ignatius Church, which has a regular schedule of masses, is on campus.

TRANSPORTATION

Participants are responsible for their own transportation costs, but round-trip transportation is available through CIEE. The two campuses of Sophia University are located adjacent to subway stops - and there is good bus transportation in Tokyo.

CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

As part of the required core course, there are a series of visits to large Japanese companies and factories, government agencies, major financial institutions, museums, shrines and other areas of cultural interest. In addition, students may experience traditional Japanese theater, participate in local festivals, and enjoy social events with Japanese university students. The visits and special activities feature opportunities for personal discussion and interactions with local businesspeople, politicians, and various members of Japanese society.

Visits and field trips are mandatory as they enable students to learn more about the uniquely Japanese intertwined relationships among business, politics, and traditional culture. The weekly visits vary in order to accommodate the academic interests of program participants. Past visits and trips have included: the House of Representations of the Japanese Diet, Nissan Motors, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Dentsu Corporation (advertising) and an overnight trip to the shrines of Nikko.

Students are encouraged to join Sophia University clubs and use their national holiday breaks to explore Tokyo or travel to other parts of Japan and Asia.

COSTS

Please check the costs page to review fees which may be incurred with this program.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• CIEE: www.ciee.org/isp
  
  
• Sophia University: www.fcc.sophia.ac.jp
  
  
• Tokyo Program Course Information
  
  
• One may also write to Kathleen Opel, Assistant Director, International Study Programs, University of Notre Dame, 152 Hurley, Notre Dame, IN 46556. (Phone: 574-631-9525)