UWC ISAK Japan offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) curriculum for Grade 11 and 12. Its Pre-IB grade 10 curriculum helps students prepare for the rigours of the IBDP, but many students join UWC ISAK Japan only in Grade 11. Alongside standard courses, UWC ISAK Japan offers Japanese, Chinese, History, Economics, Sciences, Film and Visual Arts.

Students at UWC ISAK Japan enjoy a wide range of co-curricular activities, ranging from sports and language clubs to MUN and debate. Currently, there are 50+ clubs and activities at the College, all designed and run by students, complemented by the annual Project Week’s service projects. Throughout the year, the College also hosts workshops and lectures with entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators.

IBDP students design, implement and manage their own two-year Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects throughout Grade 11 and 12. Arts activities include Theater Club, Dance Club, Glee Club, Film Club, student magazine and more. The College also has a wide range of sports clubs (including basketball, volleyball, rugby, baseball, badminton, soccer and running), outdoor education (hiking, camping), and off-campus opportunities (skiing, snowboarding, swimming).

UWC ISAK Japan Summer School is an exciting 2-week program for middle school students (ages 13-14) from around the world. A world-class faculty challenges, engages and inspires participants with a curriculum that includes global topics, mindfulness practice, leadership, design innovation, outdoor activities, and Japanese cultural experiences. Since 2010, students from over 80 countries have participated in the summer school.

UWC ISAK Japan features modern, light-filled buildings designed by award-winning architects with an emphasis on traditional Japanese architectural principals. The campus sits in harmony with its wooded surroundings, creating an inspiring environment for living and learning. The Kamiyama Academic Center, completed in 2016, is a state of the art, light-filled building that includes classrooms, a library/technology centre, study areas, meeting rooms, and the main school office. The Asama building houses additional classrooms, labs, cafeteria, and an outdoor terrace. Residential buildings are rows of connected units known as Houses, each with its own door to the outside. Each House is home to 12 to 18 students. In addition to 2 and 4 person bedrooms, each House contains a kitchenette along with a large communal living room. A gymnasium with full basketball court and natural-grass sports field, and trails for walking/running provide recreational opportunities year round.

In 2021, UWC ISAK Japan opened The Accord Center, a multipurpose facility that serves as a venue for classes, art exhibits, conferences and performances, depending on the configuration. From 2022, the campus will be home to two additional new buildings: a health and wellness center and a creative center, which will host the campus’ maker space and arts programmes.

UWC ISAK Japan is located in the Nagano prefecture, in the town of Karuizawa (pop. 20,000), approximately 70 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train. Karuizawa is a popular year-round resort destination with four distinct seasons, including snowy winters!

For Grade 11 enrollment, students apply through their UWC national committee or the UWC Global Selection Programme. For Grade 10 admission, students can apply directly to UWC ISAK Japan. For more information about UWC ISAK Japan, visit the website.