Sample Budget
A model for you to use when budgeting for study abroad.
Japan is an expensive country to live in, so plan your finances carefully. We recommend that students with KCP-arranged housing (either homestay or dormitory) allow $150 to $200 per week for entertainment, cultural activities, school supplies such as notebooks, pens, or pencils (textbooks are provided), toiletries, gifts to bring home, snacks or meals not included in your program option, and independent travel during the program. If you plan to travel before or after the program, consider these expenses when planning your budget.
Homestay students receive breakfast and dinner as part of the homestay option. Dorm assignment is made based mostly on meal plan preference; when you select a meal plan, the fee is payable in Japan, in cash, after arrival.
When preparing your budget:
- Resist the temptation to spend all your money in the first few weeks of the program!
- It’s far more valuable to spend your time and money doing things, rather than buying things. The memories you create will last a lifetime.
SEMESTER PROGRAM
Since you have choices in housing and meals, and since some amounts depend on your spending habits, we have not provided totals.
| BASICS | |
|---|---|
| Round trip airfare | $1750–$2000 |
| Program costs (non-credit option*) Includes airport pickup (for students in KCP-arranged housing), onsite orientation, textbooks, most costs of excursions and activities, and minor medical insurance |
$2,900 |
| Dormitory (not including meals) -or- |
$3,600 |
| Homestay (includes breakfast and dinner) | $4,600 |
| Meals, purchased independently** | $1,200–$1,500 |
| OTHER | |
| Personal expenses | $500–$750 |
| Transportation fees (for class or school activities not covered by program) |
$50 |
| Visa (if staying longer than one semester) | $250 |
| Note: Prices subject to change without prior notice. | |
*Academic credit is available for a nominal fee from our sponsor or affiliate universities. See Academic Credit.
**The budget amount shown is approximate; some thrifty students have been able to eat on much less.
SummER short-term PROGRAM
Since you have choices in housing and meals, and since some amounts depend on your spending habits, we have not provided totals.
| BASICS | |
|---|---|
| Round trip airfare | $1750–$2000 |
| Program costs (non-credit option*) Includes airport pickup (for students in KCP-arranged housing), onsite orientation, textbooks, most costs of excursions and activities, and minor medical insurance |
$2,700 |
| Dormitory (not including meals) -or- |
$3,000 |
| Homestay (includes breakfast and dinner) | $3,800 |
| Meals, purchased independently** | $875–$1,100 |
| OTHER | |
| Personal expenses | $400–$650 |
| Transportation fees (for class or school activities not covered by program) |
$50 |
| Note: Prices subject to change without prior notice. | |
*Academic credit is available for a nominal fee from our sponsor or affiliate universities. See Academic Credit.
**Vegetarians or particular eaters may want to consider purchasing food independently. The budget amount shown is approximate; some thrifty students have been able to eat on much less.
