Program Directed by
Ed Thanhouser
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
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Join us in Tokyo for an insider’s experience of the world’s largest metropolis on this Pre-College summer program for high school students. Broaden your horizons with in-depth, field-based seminars and elective workshops as you become part of an inspiring and supportive community of instructors and students from around the world. Choose a seminar and dive deep into your subject matter through engaging discussions, site visits, and hands-on projects that immerse you in Japanese life.
Our Pre-College instructors are accomplished academically and professionally. They bring to each seminar deep content knowledge and experience in their field, as well as enthusiasm for their subjects, a passion for teaching, and a proven capacity to connect with and inspire students. They are dedicated and caring individuals who also live in dormitories with students, sharing in their lives and fully participating in extracurricular activities.
Our Pre-College instructors are accomplished academically and professionally. They bring to each seminar deep content knowledge and experience in their field, as well as enthusiasm for their subjects, a passion for teaching, and a proven capacity to connect with and inspire students. They are dedicated and caring individuals who also live in dormitories with students, sharing in their lives and fully participating in extracurricular activities.
Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis of 13 million inhabitants and Japan's capital, exudes an enthralling blend of modernity and tradition. Steeped in a rich history dating back centuries, Tokyo preserves its cultural heritage through awe-inspiring temples, gardens, and festivals. Embracing technological innovation, it stands as a global hub of cutting-edge advancements, symbolizing the coexistence of old and new.
Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.
Tokyo is warm and humid during the summer months. Average temperatures range from 75–88°F (24–31°C) during the day, cooling off slightly at night.
Japanese cuisine is based on rice and miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans and often served as a broth or soup. Japanese food is delicious and fresh, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Typical dishes consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth, as well as noodles, such as soba, udon or Chinese-influenced ramen. Seafood is common, often grilled, but also served raw as sashimi or sushi. These days, Western food is also widely available, such as pasta, chicken, hamburgers, and fruits and vegetables. Japanese rice-based sweets and pastries, often served with tea, are also popular.
Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis of 13 million inhabitants and Japan's capital, exudes an enthralling blend of modernity and tradition. Steeped in a rich history dating back centuries, Tokyo preserves its cultural heritage through awe-inspiring temples, gardens, and festivals. Embracing technological innovation, it stands as a global hub of cutting-edge advancements, symbolizing the coexistence of old and new.
Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.
Tokyo is warm and humid during the summer months. Average temperatures range from 75–88°F (24–31°C) during the day, cooling off slightly at night.
Japanese cuisine is based on rice and miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans and often served as a broth or soup. Japanese food is delicious and fresh, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Typical dishes consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth, as well as noodles, such as soba, udon or Chinese-influenced ramen. Seafood is common, often grilled, but also served raw as sashimi or sushi. These days, Western food is also widely available, such as pasta, chicken, hamburgers, and fruits and vegetables. Japanese rice-based sweets and pastries, often served with tea, are also popular.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Experience Tokyo’s neighborhoods, museums, markets, and restaurants from our centrally located residence. With a population of 37 million, the capital city of Tokyo is a fast-paced study in contrasts, where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge modern technology. Meet with artists, business leaders, designers, and tech innovators and learn how Tokyo’s dynamic growth defines its success.
The Pre-College Tokyo program is designed to immerse students intellectually in their chosen seminar topic as they prepare academically and socially for the college experience. Over the course of their three-week Pre-College seminar, each student develops a final project based on their particular interests, which they present to peers and instructors at the end of the program. Display your photography in a pop-up gallery, present your findings from your International Business seminar, or prepare a feast to share with your group.
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, try your hand at woodblock printing, or join locals for a run in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Sample sushi, ramen, and traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi, and explore the tradition and ceremony of sumo wrestling while attending a match.
In addition to your in-depth seminar, explore other interests and topics in elective workshops offered by instructors and students alike. Tap into the unique knowledge, skills, and abilities of your peers and instructors to expand your Pre-College experience, learning on topics ranging from the best ramen ingredients to the art and history of the Samurai sword.
Gain inspiration from the experiences and perspectives of industry leaders and professionals. Guest speakers bring to the program diverse backgrounds with high-level, real-world experiences and insights. Whether a young entrepreneur or an expert in the traditions of sumo, each speaker structures their workshop or lecture to relate to the seminars and their area of expertise.
Find a community of like-minded peers, invested in personal and intellectual growth. Like you, they are curious about the world and eager to have a positive impact on it. Everyone attends Community Meeting each evening, where the group shares ideas, successes, and goals, and sets plans for the coming day. Become part of a community that supports and nurtures your interests, and make lasting friendships along the way.
In Tokyo, we stay in an international student residence in dormitory-style suites with ensuite bathrooms. Students have access to common space for class, community meetings, and socializing. Leaders reside in the same residence as students throughout the program. Each day we begin with breakfast at our residence. For lunches, seminars or small groups may eat together either at restaurants or head to a local market to shop for a picnic. Dinners are taken in restaurants or at our residence. Please note that lunches are not included in the tuition.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Experience Tokyo’s neighborhoods, museums, markets, and restaurants from our centrally located residence. With a population of 37 million, the capital city of Tokyo is a fast-paced study in contrasts, where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge modern technology. Meet with artists, business leaders, designers, and tech innovators and learn how Tokyo’s dynamic growth defines its success.
The Pre-College Tokyo program is designed to immerse students intellectually in their chosen seminar topic as they prepare academically and socially for the college experience. Over the course of their three-week Pre-College seminar, each student develops a final project based on their particular interests, which they present to peers and instructors at the end of the program. Display your photography in a pop-up gallery, present your findings from your International Business seminar, or prepare a feast to share with your group.
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, try your hand at woodblock printing, or join locals for a run in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Sample sushi, ramen, and traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi, and explore the tradition and ceremony of sumo wrestling while attending a match.
In addition to your in-depth seminar, explore other interests and topics in elective workshops offered by instructors and students alike. Tap into the unique knowledge, skills, and abilities of your peers and instructors to expand your Pre-College experience, learning on topics ranging from the best ramen ingredients to the art and history of the Samurai sword.
Gain inspiration from the experiences and perspectives of industry leaders and professionals. Guest speakers bring to the program diverse backgrounds with high-level, real-world experiences and insights. Whether a young entrepreneur or an expert in the traditions of sumo, each speaker structures their workshop or lecture to relate to the seminars and their area of expertise.
Find a community of like-minded peers, invested in personal and intellectual growth. Like you, they are curious about the world and eager to have a positive impact on it. Everyone attends Community Meeting each evening, where the group shares ideas, successes, and goals, and sets plans for the coming day. Become part of a community that supports and nurtures your interests, and make lasting friendships along the way.
In Tokyo, we stay in an international student residence in dormitory-style suites with ensuite bathrooms. Students have access to common space for class, community meetings, and socializing. Leaders reside in the same residence as students throughout the program. Each day we begin with breakfast at our residence. For lunches, seminars or small groups may eat together either at restaurants or head to a local market to shop for a picnic. Dinners are taken in restaurants or at our residence. Please note that lunches are not included in the tuition.
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Providing immersive summer travel programs for middle & high school students since 1951.
2025 Dates
June 22 — July 13
Duration
21 days
Tuition
$8,990 + airfare
Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply
Typical Group
40–50 students, 10 instructors
Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles
Additional Info
Motivated rising 9th graders will also be considered. Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000
2025 Dates
June 22 — July 13
Duration
21 days
Tuition
$8,990 + airfare
Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply
Typical Group
40–50 students, 10 instructors
Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles
Motivated rising 9th graders will also be considered. Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000