Life at ICU
For ICU, diversity, globalism, and SDGs are all part of normal everyday living.
Essential Nature of ICU
ICU operates a three-term academic year, with most courses offering several classes a week. We are very proud of our consistent stream of intensive learning and fulfilling campus life because it gives our students the chance to discover their true selves.
Take a look at a typical weekly schedule for an ICU student.
Students' classes and free time are all important learning opportunities.
1st year student
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Monday
I will have classes in the Japanese Language Programs (JLP) Level J7, the upper most class.
Today we will read an article about the history of anime in Japan and have group discussions.
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Tuesday
I made a challenge to take a course in chemistry offered in Japanese and learned how well JLP prepared me for it. Various professors in Chemistry taught the course with enthusiasm. I also have a foundation course in International Relations, offered in English, as I consider it for my major.
Student Comment
Winter term was my 2nd term; I learned to prioritize and commit to activities while keeping in mind my capacity an time management.
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Wednesday
After JLP classes, I have a course in language education because, as a Japanese learner, I was curious about its principles and methodology. My exercise class refreshed me for the afternoon.
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Thursday
In an IR course, based on a lecture about international cooperation on Tuesday, we had a discussion. I learned about different theories of maintaining international peace, such as trade and democratization.
After that, I went to the Center for Teaching and Learning and interviewed to become a member of ICU Brothers and Sisters (IBS), to help advise ICU students.
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Friday
Based on the reading and lecture on Wednesday, I will conduct interviews with English language learners for my language education course.
In my JLP tutorial, I will meet with my teacher to revise my research essay about disability education in Japan.
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Saturday
Today, I will clean up my room, go to the supermarket, and tutor a local child in English.
Student Comment
It's a snowy day, reminding me of winter in my hometown.
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Sunday
I attend church and enjoy time reading the Bible with my friends. Eating lunch with everyone refreshes me for the week to come.
1st year student
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 08:45~10:00 | JLP | JLP | JLP | ||
| 2 10:10~11:25 | JLP | JLP | JLP | ||
| 3 11:35~12:50 | LED102 Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (J) | CHM101 Concepts in Chemistry (J) | LED102 Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (J) | CHM101 Concepts in Chemistry (J) | LED102 Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (J) |
|
4
14:00~15:15 ※Super Mon/Thu or Wed/Fri: 13:20～ |
IRL102 Introduction to International Relations (E) | HPE006 Physical Education Exercise II | IRL102 Introduction to International Relations (E) | ||
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5
15:25~16:40 ※Super Mon/Thu or Wed/Fri: ~15:15 |
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| 6 16:50～18:05 | |||||
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7
18:15~19:30 ※Super Mon/Thu or Wed/Fri:~20:10 |
*The timetable changed from the 2025 academic year. For more information, please click here.
3rd year student
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Monday
Students take a wide range of courses in different fields of interest related to their chosen area of study.
That's the true charm of studying at ICU.Student Comment
"My major is biology but I'm also taking courses in media, communication, and culture. Another big attraction is that my classmates also have diverse interests."
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Tuesday
Taking lectures in English is a great way to gain new perspectives precisely because you are not learning in your native language.
Students conducting a comparative study of global advertising in their media studies class were surprised by the unique nature of Japanese commercials.
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Wednesday
Create a graduation research plan that enables you to enter the Five-year B.A. and M.A. Program
Student Comment
"I am doing research on Limonene, the aromatic component of tangerines. In my spare time in class, I work on my research plan in consultation with my thesis advisor."
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Thursday
Extra-curricular activities: A member of the ICU Festival Committee and the SDGs Promotion Office
As part of the activities of the SDGs Promotion Office, students formulate proposals and liaise with relevant partners regarding the offering of fairtrade products in the university cafeteria.
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Friday
A small-group class in which students compile a presentation in English on a theme issued at the beginning of the lecture
The students not only learn effective presentation skills, but also make new friends.
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Saturday
Supporting ICU-sponsored programs for high school students as a student facilitator
Student Comment
"This important role offers casual support if the discussion among high school students grinds to a halt. I try to draw out the opinions of the high school students without imposing my view as a university student."
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Sunday
Meeting up with friends to refresh yourself on the weekends!
A well-balanced life makes you more productive on a daily basis.Student Comment
"Before and after a test with lots of assignments, I go to the library to look things up and work on writing reports."
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 08:45~10:00 | |||||
| 2 10:10~11:25 | Cultural・ Studies II |
Cultural・ Studies II |
New Media and Society in Everyday Life |
Cultural・ Studies II |
|
| 3 11:35~12:50 | Discourse in Society | New Media and Society in Everyday Life |
Discourse in Society | New Media and Society in Everyday Life |
Discourse in Society |
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4
14:00~15:15 ※Super Mon/Thu or Wed/Fri:13:20～ |
VOLLEYBALL | Media and Cultural Signs | Media and Cultural Signs | ||
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5
15:25～16:40 ※Super Mon/Thu or Wed/Fri:~17:20 |
Preparation for Senior Research (biology) | Public Communication |
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| 6 16:50～18:05 | Public Communication |
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7
18:15~19:30 ※Super Mon/Thu or Wed/Fri:~20:10 |
Public Communication |
*The timetable changed from the 2025 academic year. For more information, please click here.
Student Comment
JLP instructors have a strong passion for their students, and their genuine care helps me stay motivated to improve my academic writing in Japanese.