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OXFORD ACADEMIA AT

Temple University Japan

Tokyo, Japan

July 12–31, 2026

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20 days

$9,490

Completing grades 9–12 (motivated rising 9th graders will also be considered)

8-12 students

Highlights

Explore your chosen subject in immersive, hands-on seminars with Tokyo as your classroom
Visit the Nikkei Exchange with your business seminar, learn Japanese calligraphy from a monk, get drawing instruction from a professional manga artist, or dye your own shibori and indigo with textile artisans
Experience student living in Temple University’s dorms and classrooms, and get a taste of life as a student abroad
Enjoy the endless possibilities of Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis—visit the Shibuya Scramble, Climb to the Top of the SkyTree, visit TeamLab installations, and see temples like Sensouji and Meji-jingu
Gain knowledge, experience, and inspiration to accelerate your future path in subjects like game design, art and art history, photography, and business

Esteemed Faculty & Staff

Each program is run by on-site Directors, Deans, Residential Life staff, and faculty. Expert guests and engaging speakers join frequently throughout the program.
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Exploration & Excursions

Hakone, Kamkura, & more!
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Experience Tokyo

Join Oxford Academia in Tokyo this summer to experience one of the world’s most dynamic and intellectually stimulating cities. Broaden your horizons with in-depth, field-based seminars and elective workshops as you become part of an inspiring and supportive community of faculty, staff, and students from around the world. Designed for motivated high school students, this three-week academic summer program combines immersive learning with hands-on activities around the city. Choose a seminar and dive deep into your subject matter through engaging discussions, site visits, and projects that immerse you in Japanese culture and academic life.

Academic Excellence

Students’ home base for the program is Temple University Japan (TUJ), the oldest and largest foreign university in Japan and the only institution with Designated Foreign University Campus status from Japan’s Ministry of Education. Founded in 1982, TUJ brings together students from more than 60 countries in a dynamic, bilingual learning environment that blends American and Japanese academic traditions. Through this Oxford Academia partnership, students gain rare insight into what it means to study abroad in Japan and experience a world-class university at the crossroads of two cultures.

Vibrant & Supportive Community

Beyond the individualized support students receive from faculty in their seminars, Oxford Academia programs stand apart for the community we cultivate and the support every student receives during their experience. Our Residential Life team is much more robust than other summer programs because we recognize the importance of a supervised and structured learning and social environment. Directors, Deans, Junior Deans, and Health & Activity Coordinators live in the residences with students and focus solely on student life. They prioritize the well-being of each student from the moment they arrive, working proactively to ensure students are happy, comfortable, and safe while forming new friendships and making the most of their time on the program.

Growth & Outcomes

Oxford Academia at Temple University Japan serves as a launchpad for both academic and personal growth. Students pursue their interests, collaborate with inspiring educators, and gain confidence in their ability to navigate global environments. They return home with a clearer sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of their potential, and an expanded network of peers and mentors. At the end of the session, each student receives a Certificate of Completion and a personalized evaluation from their seminar faculty—along with a community of new friends and professional connections.

two students working on pottery

two students pose in kyoto

students hands drawing

student and instructor looking at computer screen

Program Structure

This 18-day program is based in Tokyo, with day trips to surrounding areas. Seminars meet five days a week, followed by two days of excursions and whole-program activities. Each seminar combines classroom time and experiential, hands-on learning as students extend their coursework into the city through site visits, museum trips, and workshops with local experts. Afternoons and evenings include time to explore Tokyo’s neighborhoods, join elective workshops, and take part in engaging extracurricular activities. After dinner, the entire program community gathers for evening programming, which includes guest speakers, cultural performances, and other recreational activities. Students receive a minimum of 40–50 hours of seminar-specific instruction, both in and outside of the classroom. Classroom time varies based on seminar and curriculum. The program culminates in a final commencement event to celebrate the experience and present final projects.

Seminars

Students select one seminar and immerse themselves fully in their chosen subject, spending a majority of time each week with their small seminar group. Seminars and curriculum are designed to be experiential. Days often begin in the classrooms of Temple University’s Tokyo campus, where ideas are introduced. Seminar groups then head into the city, using Tokyo as an immersive classroom where fashion, business, technology, and culture come to life. In addition to their studies in seminar groups, interdisciplinary, cross-seminar collaboration and whole-program activities enable students to contextualize and deepen connections between Japanese social norms, cultural norms, and the seminar subject matter. Students learn directly from expert faculty, local contacts, and guest lecturers, gaining practical insight and inspiration from Japan’s vibrant academic and professional landscape.

Seminar Offerings

Anime & Illustration

International Business & Trade

Japanese Fashion

Japanese Language

Photography & Digital Storytelling: Tokyo

Technology & Innovation

Outstanding Faculty & Experts

We are proud of the truly outstanding faculty and staff members who join students each summer in Japan. They are passionate educators and lifelong leaders. In addition to seminar instruction, our faculty become mentors to students, pushing them to explore their interests, exposing them to new ideas, and often remaining in touch after the end of the summer.

In addition to the incredible faculty who teach seminars each summer, Oxford Academia programs feature guest speakers and experts who are leaders in their respective fields. Through evening lecture series and workshops with individual seminars, students enjoy unparalleled access to inspirational thought leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, political leaders, and historians.

Program Details

Accommodations & Meals

Students and residential staff reside in a new Temple University dormitory in the Yoga neighborhood, just 25 minutes from the Temple University campus in Tokyo. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily, and are included in tuition. Lunch is not included in tuition, as seminar groups are typically out exploring the city. Students can choose from a variety of lunch options in and around the myriad neighborhoods that seminars visit during the course of the program.

Teaching Methodology

At Oxford Academia, learning is an immersive and transformative educational experience. We combine rigorous academics with hands-on exploration and cultural enrichment. Whether studying business and finance, fashion, language, technology, or the arts, students have the opportunity to engage deeply with their passions while discovering new ones. Guided by expert faculty and surrounded by peers from around the world, students leave each program with a profound sense of achievement and inspiration. Click here to read more about Our Approach to Learning.

Final Projects, Certificates, & Evaluations

On the program’s final evening, all students present their seminar achievements and projects during a commencement event for all students, faculty, and staff. This celebratory evening includes presentations, a formal dinner, and culminating social events to celebrate with peers and new friends. During Commencement, each student is presented with an Oxford Academia Certificate of Completion in acknowledgment of their hard work and accomplishments, which is signed by the program director. A digital copy of the certificate is also available upon request after the program. Additionally, each student and their family will receive a personalized written report from their seminar instructor, in which the instructor summarizes the curriculum and content learned, and provides an individualized assessment of each student’s achievements, progress, and growth. The commencement events and instructor feedback serve to inspire and motivate students to continue their academic pursuits and encourage them to achieve their highest potential.

Weekend Excursions & Activities

On weekends, students explore beyond Tokyo on staff-led excursions. Visit Kamakura’s temples and shrines, travel to Hakone for a view of Mount Fuji, or learn about Japan’s traditional arts through immersive workshops and performances.

Travel Logistics

The program dates reflect the days that students commence, and consequently complete, travel to and from their program. For Tokyo, this assumes students will fly on an overnight flight to Japan.

July 12–overnight travel to program
July 13–students arrive and check in to dorms
July 14–first day of seminars begins
July 31–students return home

Oxford Academia organizes a round-trip group flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo for this program. One or more of your leaders will be at the airport with all student e-ticket confirmations and will welcome and fly with the group on the round-trip itinerary. Families are responsible for travel costs and arrangements to and from the U.S. Gateway Airport. The group flight cost is not included in the program tuition and will appear as a separate line item on your invoice. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here for our FAQ.

Sumo wrestlers prepare

Observe sumo wrestlers in training and enjoy chanko nabe, the hearty stew that fuels their preparation

aerial view of students eating

Wadaiko Drumming

Learn Wadaiko, the art of Japanese drumming from a professional

Japanese tea ceremony

Experience “Sado,” the way of tea, and learn about the history and importance of the tea ceremony in traditional Japanese life

“I gained a deeper cultural understanding and appreciation that I wouldn't have received from a classroom alone. Being immersed in Tokyo’s environment allowed me to experience Japanese daily life, traditions, and perspectives first hand. And just as importantly, I formed lifelong friendships with people from around the world.”

“Our son came home so happy. He really enjoyed his seminar, especially his instructor. He had a blast meeting new peers from around the world and enjoyed interacting with the locals, befriending the elderly and high school students alike. He relished the independence and freedom, and I believe it has well-prepared him for going off to college in the near future.”

“I connected with people from all over the world— many of whom I plan to keep in touch with. I also gained perspective on my own path forward and what I want to focus on in the near future.”

Next Steps

Start your application or connect with us to choose the right program. This program is directed by Ed Thanhouser.