Bing Overseas Studies Program-Kyoto (Spring Quarter 2024-25)

With its heritage as Japan's former Imperial capital for over a millennium, Kyoto is rightly famed for its ancient temples (which outnumber its convenience stores), its traditional ryokan inns and its refined cuisine.

While creating a distinctly old-world feel, Kyoto is in fact an energetic and forward-looking city with particular strengths in design, science and technology. An impressive list of innovative and high-tech companies can be found alongside centuries-old artisan workshops. The apparent juxtaposition between old and new provides the Stanford Program in Kyoto's academic curriculum with its overarching theme:  how Kyoto's rich cultural history provides the inspiration for its future. This is examined in course focusing on Japanese culture, design, and art.

In addition to 'content' courses, students improve their Japanese skills rapidly through intensive language classes as well as by living in homestays with local families. Science and engineering courses are also offered, allowing technical students to fulfill major requirements while studying overseas.

The Stanford Program in Kyoto welcomes students from all disciplines, offering Autumn and Spring quarters of academic study at its facilities within the campus of Doshisha University. Students who have studied in Kyoto during spring quarter may also complete a paid ten-week summer internship at leading companies and organizations throughout Japan. Through the internship porgram, students can hone their cultural communication and technical skills while preparing for a global career. Internships take place at a wide variety of organizations, from global corporations, to small start-ups, to NGOs and universities.