Tokyo is a fascinating city of contrasts. Tokyo has historic shrines and temples adjacent to its palaces, government building, and to the massive skyscrapers of its business district. The orientation program is conducted partly in a small Japanese city and partly in the Tokyo area. It is designed to introduce students to Japanese life and culture and the IES Tokyo program, and to familiarize them with Tokyo's geography, transportation system, and cultural attractions. Intensive language instruction is also included.
All students live temporarily with a Japanese family.
Students participating in the homestays are provided with two meals per day. An ability and willingness to adjust to Japanese customs, manners, and diet is a quality that must be possessed by anyone participating in the homestay. Those who wish may make independent housing arrangements during the program. IES organizes regular trips to sites of historical and cultural interest in and around Tokyo. In addition to outings in Tokyo, students take day trips to nearby historic and cultural centers such as Kamakura and Nikko.