AIFS Abroad Expands in Asia with New Summer Program in Kyoto, Japan
New program at Ritsumeikan University expands AIFS’s portfolio and gives U.S. students a new summer study abroad option in one of Japan’s most historic cities
STAMFORD, Conn. — September 10, 2026 — As student interest in studying abroad in Japan continues to grow, AIFS Abroad is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new summer study abroad program in Kyoto, Japan, beginning in Summer 2027.
Offered in partnership with Ritsumeikan University, the new program builds on AIFS Abroad’s growing presence in Asia, where it already offers study abroad programs in Seoul, South Korea. Japan has seen growing international student interest in recent years, part of a broader rise in attention around Asian study abroad destinations. According to The PIE, international enrollment in Japan reached 336,708 students as of May 2024, reflecting progress toward the country’s goal of hosting more than 400,000 international students by 2033. The publication also recently named several Asian destinations, including Japan and South Korea, among the study abroad destinations to watch in 2026.
“We are seeing increased student interest in Japan, and our new Kyoto program allows us to respond to that demand in a valuable way,” said Ryan Dye, Senior Vice President and Executive Director at AIFS Abroad. “Students are looking for study abroad programs that combine academic value with meaningful cultural experience and this summer program offers both.”
The program will be hosted at Ritsumeikan University, one of Japan’s leading private universities. Ritsumeikan traces its roots back to 1869 and has an established history of welcoming international students to Kyoto through short-term Japanese language programming. Its programs are designed to combine Japanese language study with cultural learning and fieldwork, helping students connect classroom learning with their firsthand experience in Kyoto. The program also gives students a way to build cross-cultural communication and adaptability—skills that can support their professional development and career goals.
Long regarded as one of Japan’s most historic cities, Kyoto gives students access to traditional neighborhoods, temples, and cultural sites while also providing a strong student presence, modern industries, and easy access to the rest of Japan. Home to dozens of universities and global companies such as Nintendo, the city offers a setting shaped by both tradition and modern Japanese life.
For AIFS Abroad, the Kyoto launch is part of a broader effort to grow its portfolio in ways that align with student interest, academic and professional goals, and global learning.
“When we add a new destination, we look at more than student interest alone,” said Dye. “As we continue expanding our portfolio, we are looking closely at where we can offer academic value, strong student support, and experiences that help students build the cross-cultural skills they will carry into their future careers. Kyoto checks all of those boxes.”
Students and advisors can learn more about the Kyoto summer study abroad program, including dates, coursework, housing, and application information on the AIFS Abroad website.
About AIFS and AIFS Abroad
The American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) is a charity-owned organization and a leader in cultural exchange and international education. Since its founding in 1964, more than 1.8 million individuals have participated in AIFS programs. AIFS Abroad, a division of AIFS, offers study abroad and international internship programs for U.S. students in more than 30 destinations around the world. With a focus on academic quality, student support, and meaningful cultural engagement, AIFS Abroad helps students expand their global perspectives while earning credit toward their degrees. and meaningful cultural engagement, AIFS Abroad helps students expand their global perspectives while earning credit toward their degrees.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ana Wright, aifsmedia@aifs.com