The second half of the curriculum involves elective courses in art, literature, economics, history, politics, religion, and other subjects most of which are taught by faculty members from the consortium institutions. Also, non-credit courses are available in cooking, flower arrangement, calligraphy, music, and other cultural subjects of interest. Students will live in Japanese homes as a member of the family. Kyoto has an exceptionally rich cultural life from which students benefit. Most Colby students who wish to study in Japan for a semester take part in this program, although Kansai Gaidai offers a year program as well.
Students have the option of living with a family or in a dormitory.