International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University
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Overview of the university
The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University is an American-style liberal arts college with courses taught in English. Studies at iCLA lead to a Bachelor's degree in International Liberal Arts.
We offer six majors: Data Science, Global Business & Economics, Interdisciplinary Arts, Japan Studies, Political Science, and Psychology.
iCLA is located in Yamanashi Prefecture, which borders Tokyo and is the home of Mount Fuji, the spiritual heart of Japan. Just 90 minutes away from central Tokyo, iCLA offers a multi-cultural atmosphere in a beautiful Japanese setting. With over 80% of the students coming from 55+ nationalities, and faculty and staff members from around the world, iCLA offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while acquiring a contemporary and globally relevant education at our state-of-the-art facilities.
Our curriculum offers features unique in Japan. We value active learning and make it a high priority. As such, our students can, in addition to their more traditional lecture/discussion courses, take credit-bearing workshops where lectures and practical skills are combined to offer comprehensive knowledge of such topics as traditional Japanese calligraphy, music, martial arts, and many more. Moreover, our international students can take credit bearing Japanese Language classes as part of the degree, with courses offered from beginner to advanced level.
We hold online open campus events throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to find out more about student life at iCLA. Find out the latest dates and register for our next online open campus.
Each year, a growing number of international students are choosing to study in Japan for its safe and secure lifestyle, unique culture and cuisine, scenic places and very importantly, great academic and career opportunities. Come experience it for yourself at iCLA.
Programs and courses at International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University
6 courses at International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University, listed alphabetically:
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Student reviews
iCLA truly supported me in discovering my dream career in finance. iCLA’s curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, from economics to performing arts. Through exploring those courses, I was able to discover my interest in my chosen career. Moreover, the professors, students and admin staff are always willing to talk and share their academic and professional experiences, which really helped me.
"iCLA's diverse international student body creates an incredible confluence of cultures and customs. In our Political Science classes, the unique perspectives I acquire from my classmates' differing points of view and the comfortable environment that the teacher creates for us to express our opinions really characterizes iCLA."
I chose iCLA for its status as a Liberal Arts college in Japan with English-taught classes, the low student-to-faculty ratio, and the opportunity to learn Japanese language, culture, and history. I have learned so much about Japanese culture, language, history, and economy that it overtakes my knowledge of my home country! I’m excited to see where this interest leads me in the future.
Accommodation
iCLA has on-campus dormitories with guaranteed accommodation for all the new entrants. Both the Japanese and international students live in the dormitories for at least during their first year at iCLA, so it gives them a great opportunity to interact with students from different countries and regions, improve their cross-cultural communication skill and make global friends.
With private rooms with shared facilities, including a cafeteria with a meal plan, study lounges and library etc., iCLA offers students a balance between privacy and social life that suits their lifestyle the best.
Study abroad information
We have an extensive network of 60 partner universities in more than 20 countries and regions, to make sure the students can find an exchange program of their preference.
All of our study abroad partnerships are based on mutual tuition waiver agreements. So regradless of which country or insitution they choose, they pay iCLA tuition fees and the credits are counted towards graduation from iCLA. And we have a comprehensive support system to help the students with selecting their study abroad destination and preparing for it.