Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or above
Location: Asia, Japan
GPA: 2.5

Psychology in Kyoto

Program Overview

Spend four weeks in Kyoto, Japan, exploring the psychology of human mental health, development, and the science behind a meaningful life in a global context. By studying these subjects in another country, students on this program will leverage better insights into their home society's conception of mental health and a meaningful life, as well as learn how other culture's conceptions compare and contrast. Japanese cultural values differ in many ways to that of American culture. Studying in Japan will provide first-hand, unique exposure to these contrasts which will be incorporated into the course teachings and assignments.

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and is famous for its temples, shrines, gardens, and traditional wooden houses. Located in Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations and is home to many iconic cultural sights, including the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera temple, and Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Kyoto’s location also offers easy access to other parts of Japan: Osaka, Kobe, Nara, and Nagoya can be reached in less than an hour by train, and Tokyo is just 2.5 hours away by high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train).

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2027 03/15/2027 Late June 2027 Late July 2027

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff (and the program faculty leader, if applicable) will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about acceptance will be made shortly after you submit a complete application.

There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early.

Acceptance is based on a holistic review of your application.  This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and the short statement.

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Hear from Our Students

Who Am I Here?

A uo student taking a mirror selfie on the street in Japan
When I first arrived in Japan, I expected to feel more connected to my Japanese identity. In some ways, that has happened. Being able to speak Japanese, spend time with family, and live in Japan has… read more

Socializing, Eating, Bussing, Talking in Kyoto

a uo student posing next to a mural of Japanese art
My name is Emely. I am about to go into my fourth year as a Global Studies and Spanish major. This will be the fourth year I navigate higher education without guidance from my family, as I am the… read more

Mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes

Two uo students having lunch in Kyoto
When I chose the Psychology in Kyoto program through UO GEO, I had two goals in mind. Academically, I wanted to earn psychology credits that will help me pursue physical therapy at school. Personally… read more

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

See "View All Courses" in right-hand menu for more details and course syllabi.

PSY388: Psychology of  a Meaningful Life (300 level Psychology Elective)

Approaches the science of a meaningful life with three themes: scientific basis of a meaningful life, cultural variations in approaches to a meaningful life, and implementing practices in one's own life to promote happiness, meaningfulness, and well-being.

PSY388: Global Mental Health and Development (300 level Psychology Elective)

Examines a collection of global health problems deeply rooted in changing social structures. This course is interdisciplinary and ideal for students wishing to explore careers in public health, anthropology, economics, epidemiology, medicine and psychology.

 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Housing Description

While in Kyoto, students will be housed in a student-only residency which features single occupancy studio-style apartments that include a private bathroom and kitchenette. The residency offers common areas for socializing and studying. Breakfast and dinner is provided in the residency every weekday, except for holidays. All students participating in the program will be housed in the same building. 

Students will stay in hotels or traditional Japanese ryokans during excursions and share hotel rooms with other students on the program of the same gender.

Budget and Price

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Psychology in Kyoto

2026 Summer

GEO Program Fees
Description Amount
UO Study Abroad Fee* $500
Program Tuition $5,252
Housing & Included Meals $2,200
Local Transportation $100
Insurance $98
Estimated Additional Expenses
Description Amount
Estimated Airfare from Eugene $1,900
Estimated Additional Meals $300
Estimated Cell Phone Expenses $100
Estimated Travel Clinic & Pre-departure Physical* $50
Estimated Cost of Acquiring Passport $150
Estimated Additional Living Expenses $300
Total
Description Amount
Sub-Total: GEO Program Fees (Billed to UO Student Account) $8,150
Sub-Total: Estimated Additional Expenses $2,800
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $10,950

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, excursions, housing, some meals, course materials, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

* Non-UO Students: study abroad fees and application fees vary by campus; check with your home campus study abroad office.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit 
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

To view the program specific cancellation policy dates and penalties, click the term budget dropdown menu.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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