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Japan
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UWC ISAK Japan centers social and emotional development through a leadership-focused program. The leadership program treats leadership as a practice that anyone can develop and provides a Grade 10 year to lay the foundation for leadership across the IB years, including a pathway to CAS projects in Grade 11. Students exercise leadership daily through Leadership Projects (CAS), Outdoor Education, and Student-Led Clubs & Activities. Community service is integrated to build empathy, social responsibility, and connections with local communities. Dedicated faculty coaches provide guidance as students identify issues, take action, and communicate their vision. The program emphasizes using diverse perspectives and student autonomy to cultivate Changemakers.
All classes are conducted in English, with exceptions for Japanese and foreign language studies. English-language tests are not required for admission, though a functional level of English is expected; recommended levels include EIKEN Level 2 or higher, TOEFL 65+, TOEIC 600, and IELTS 6+.
UWC ISAK Japan follows a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, addressing mind, body, and spirit. The program integrates academics, outdoor education, boarding life, and a Health & Wellness Center to guide students toward a balanced life. The Health & Wellness Center houses the counseling Office for mental health services and a clinic for physical health, along with a meditation room and an exercise room. Outdoor Education supports leadership and resilience, and small class sizes plus a supportive environment promote mental and emotional well-being, empathy, and self-awareness. Boarding life is designed to be nurturing, with house mentors and a residential team who support student well-being daily. Safeguarding is a core component of well-being across all aspects of school life.
Safeguarding is a priority at UWC ISAK Japan. The Safeguarding Team includes the Head of Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Deputy Safeguarding Leads. Concerns can be raised by emailing safeguarding@uwcisak.jp. The Safeguarding Policy aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding, with a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behavior. The policy covers training, safe recruitment, and clear reporting and response mechanisms, including oversight by a Nominated Individual and a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
UWC ISAK Japan is a co-educational, full-boarding high school in Karuizawa, Nagano. It opened in 2014 as International School of Asia, Karuizawa (ISAK) and joined the UWC movement in 2017. Students study in Grades 10–12. Grade 10 is described as “Pre-IB” with a leadership and project-work focus, and Grades 11–12 follow the IB Diploma Programme (including TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS). UWC ISAK Japan empowers transformational leaders to make a positive impact now and in the future. As Japan’s first full-boarding international high school, we educate intellectually curious, compassionate, and innovative students from diverse backgrounds.
