Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Tokyo
- Hosted at: International Christian University
- Location(s): Tokyo, Japan
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Intensive Language
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Designed for students seeking advanced Japanese language proficiency and cultural immersion, the Middlebury School in Japan offers a unique opportunity to experience both the energy of Tokyo and the close-knit community of a Japanese university ca... read more
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We had lots of traditional Japanese experiences that we definitely would not have had on any other program. For example, we cut rice and wood, got to experience classes with middle schoolers, and went to public baths. It took some effort and was a little nerve wracking at first, but I made lots of friends at well, both locally a... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
About Japan, yes A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I loved it and I am excited to go back. Japan really became home for me! A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I improved my Japanese skills a lot through this program and was able to learn about the local culture and environment through my work as an intern and my experience joining a school organization. I also became much more independent and now feel comfortable supporting myself in a foreign environment. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Fake people exist all over the world. Don’t believe in what your home institution boasts about, that’s propaganda. Sylvia Choi - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I satisfy my curiosity about Japan since I was a kid. It was worthwhile! Rathapon Satjapot - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was worthwhile A student - International Christian University View Entire Review
For people with no experience with Japan, it's a pretty good program since it forces you to be an active part of Japanese society. However, some academic portions of the program were not very fulfilling, and the administration of these courses was sometimes frustrating (class requirements were not clear, syllabus was not provide... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I highly recommend for those looking to explore Tokyo/Japan through study abroad; however, if you even have a slight interest in academics and learning, this program disappoints. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Learning about Japan, the good and the bad was super worthwhile. Exploring nature in Japan and learning about how Japan does food was super fun. Even small interactions had a lot to teach on how different the world can be. The most important lesson I learned however was how to live there. That is to say, Tokyo and most Japanese ... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned to become more adventurous and try things that I never in a million years thought I would do, as well as see the world from a new perspective. I also gained work experience through my Middlebury internships. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Through my internship I gained an understanding of what I wanted to do for my career, but a lot of the classes were not very intellectually stimulating. Coming from my home university I was used to a certain standard of education, and I didn't feel very challenged or engaged. Kathryn Murgolo - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned about the various small cultural aspects of Japan that are so trivial to those living there that they don't even realize it's a Japanese cultural thing. It was worthwhile, because I love the little stuff and gave me more ways in which we can look at the world. Also, I learned how to cut down a 70 foot tree using a chai... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
i gained more independence but i did not feel as if my language skills improved a lot. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I believe my Japanese fluency improved and I am more confident to talk in front of native speakers now. It was worthwhile in my opinion. Yuki Lou - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about cultural nuance, and also how being good at a foreign language doesn't mean you're competent at navigating the culture. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Did a lot of growing in all the solitary time I had since I had like 3 friends, but biggest thing I learned is that I have to rely on myself and only myself to get things done. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained experience in independence and understanding myself. It was worthwhile A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Experience is always worthwhile. Dairys Quintero - Hamilton College View Entire Review
I did become better at Japanese but I think I would've had a far more enjoyable experience doing it at another program. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I did improve my Japanese. I learned it is very hard to meet local Japanese people. I also went out to experience Japanese food, sights, and different places, and also visited many contemporary art museums. I'm not sure it was worth my time because I was expecting to learn a lot from the Middlebury courses but I did not. I also ... Layla M - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Language aside, I got to really explore Japanese culture, and it was definitely worthwhile. I made one friend in particular who I am still in contact often with so that alone was worth it for me. I also got to travel around a lot and make lots of memories with amazing people. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned more about Japanese culture and also the life of Japanese people. I learned how to communicate with Japanese people under various circumstances. I furthered my knowledge on my major subject as well. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained a lot of knowledge about the culture in Japan, of course, as well as what I learned in classes, but more than that I learned a lot about myself. I lived a lifestyle here that I'd never had the opportunity or even desire to do ever before, where I spent more time talking to people and making connections than doing anythi... Nadine Franklin - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I challenged myself and got challenged often while abroad, and I think it's made me stronger as a person and more open-minded to new thoughts and experiences. Jenny Do - Middlebury College View Entire Review
About
Designed for students seeking advanced Japanese language proficiency and cultural immersion, the Middlebury School in Japan offers a unique opportunity to experience both the energy of Tokyo and the close-knit community of a Japanese university campus. Students study at International Christian University (ICU), enrolling in a rigorous academic program while developing their language skills through intensive coursework, daily interaction with Japanese peers, and full participation in campus life. Guided by the Middlebury Language Pledge, students use Japanese throughout their time abroad, strengthening their linguistic abilities while gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary Japanese society.
Once a small fishing village, Tokyo has grown into one of the world's most influential centers of culture, economics, and politics. With a population of more than 12 million, the city offers a fascinating contrast between tradition and modernity, where historic temples, gardens, and neighborhoods exist alongside cutting-edge technology, architecture, and global industries. The Middlebury School in Japan is located in Mitaka, a suburban area approximately 30 minutes west of central Tokyo, allowing students to enjoy the opportunities of one of the world's great metropolitan areas while living and studying in a more intimate campus environment.
Middlebury's host institution, International Christian University, is a leading liberal arts university founded in 1953 and renowned throughout Japan for its commitment to language education and international learning. With an enrollment of approximately 2,900 students, ICU provides a supportive academic community and offers coursework in fields including Japanese language and literature, history, art history, psychology, linguistics, international studies, and the social sciences. Students live on campus with Japanese roommates, creating daily opportunities for cultural exchange and authentic language practice, while participating in student-led clubs and activities that connect them with the broader university community.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadIntensive Language
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- Japanese
Language Requirement(s):
- Japanese
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Linguistics
- Japanese Language, Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Mathematics, Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Museum Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Music
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.67Website
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