International Christian University / ICU

Founded in 1953

International Christian University is Japan's first liberal arts college. It was founded in 1953 based on Christian principles, with the aim of "cultivating capable individuals, educated as internationally minded citizens, who will serve both God and people and who will contribute to lasting peace." A cornerstone that sets ICU apart from other universities is the respect paid to each person as a unique individual. 

ICU offers a fully bilingual education in Japanese and English. The liberal arts education, provided by its undergraduate college, allows students to pursue an in-depth study in any of approximately 30 majors. At the same time, this education highlights the dynamic possibilities that can emerge as students experience areas that transcend and connect academic disciplines. Powered by a commitment to liberal arts education, ICU also offers graduate programs designed to deepen scholarly research. Students work independently, and the role of faculty and staff is to support a process by which students discover their own potential. How this is achieved is through a system of classes with a low student-teacher ratio, classes that prioritize participation and, finally, through the faculty advisory system, office hours and tutorials.

The ICU campus is a place where students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds can study and work, in unison and, in such an ambience, there is greater perception and understanding of individual difference. This leads to enhanced self-awareness and the possibility of interpersonal relations.

Another unique aspect of ICU is its tradition of emphasizing interaction throughout the campus community. In addition to the main building where lectures are held, the science building, the library and gymnasium, this verdant 620,000-square-meter campus is also home to student dormitories and faculty and staff residences. Unmistakably, this makes for an environment where students can interact fluently with faculty and staff outside the classroom. This campus, without parallel, was provided to ICU in the wake of the destruction from World War II, through the generous donations of a great many people who supported the university's founding principles.

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Courses

  • Courses for NOHA students

    Semester 3/2019-2020 (autumn semester)               1 September – 20 November 2019
    Or
    Semester 3/2019-2020 (autumn and winter semester) 1 September – 28 February 2020 (recommended)
    (in individual consultation with students)

    •       Compulsory module                                                   12 ECTS
    •       4-6 elective modules                                                  18 ECTS

    The participating students from NOHA universities will register as non-award students at ICU for one or two academic trimesters (it is recommended to stay for two terms from September to February considering the academic schedule). Most of the courses are valued 2-3 ICU units, each unit being an equivalent to 2 ECTS. The students should select courses with the total of minimum of 15 units (30 ECTS). International Christian University’s expertise lies with Peace Studies.
     
    Courses available for NOHA students:
      Autumn Term  
    No. Name ECTS
      Compulsory:
    1. Introduction to Humanitarian Assistance Policy in Japan (Research II + V) 8
    2. Research II 4
      Electives available:
    3. Peace and Conflict Studies I 4
    4. International Relations and Diplomacy 4
    5. Peace and Sustainability 4
    6. Social Inequality 4
    7. Gender and Peace 4
    8. Refugee Law 4
    9. Ideas on Peace 4
    10 Global Issues 4
    11. Peace and Intergroup Relations 4
    12. Peace Education: Theory and Practice 6
    13. Anthropological Studies of Inequality 6
      Winter Term  
      Electives available:  
    14. The Anthropology of Violence 4
    15. International Relations Theory and the Asia-Pacific 4
    16. International Politics and Diplomacy 4
    17. International Organization 4
    18. Religion, Conflict and Human Security 4


    Please note that there may be changes in the modules presented above according to revisions made by the partner university to adjust the curriculum to the future academic calendars.
  • Download ICU third semester manual 2022

Useful info

  • Studying in Tokyo/ICU

    Student Voice

    Campus Life

     
  • Academic calendar

    NOHA students will be undertaking their mobility during the Autumn Term at ICU. A detailed calendar for Autumn Term - Winter Term 2019 is available in the 3rd semester manual.
     
  • Accommodation

    On-campus housing
    ICU may able to offer on-campus housing upon request. Graduate students will be provided with furnished single room.

    Off-campus housing
    ICU entrusts ICU Service Co., Ltd. with the task of introducing off-campus housing such as apartments and other accommodations to students. ICU Service, in cooperation with reliable real estate agents, strives to provide the best possible off-campus accommodations. The company also holds on-campus consultation events with multiple agents to help students find accommodation. Please contact ICU Service for more details about apartments and other off-campus accommodations.
    See the Off-campus Housing Guide.

    Homestay
    Living with a Japanese family enables students to be immersed in Japanese life and practice Japanese. However, homestay is not very common in Japan, and the number of host families is limited. ICU commissions the arrangement of homestay to Nextage Co., Ltd. Nextage introduces host families to students who are interested in homestay. If you wish to look for a host family in Tokyo, please contact Nextage directly.

    More information.
  • Living costs

    The list below is intended as a reference to help students draw up their personal estimates of living expenses. Please note that items under living costs are average and estimates may vary considerably from one student to another.

    Estimated Living Cost

                                                        On-Campus Housing:

    - Dormitory Admission Fee                                            (56,000 yen (non-refundable))
    - Dormitory Fee                                                       (25,750 yen to 51,350 yen / month)
     
    Off-Campus Housing:
    - Rent for Apartment, Off-Campus Student Residence or Homestay, etc. (cost varies according to the type of housing) approx. 45,000 yen to 85,000 yen / month
    Miscellaneous:
    - Living Expenses(including food) approx. 75,000 yen / month
    - Books and Supplies approx. 15,000 yen / month
    - Transportation (within Tokyo) approx. 8,000 yen / month
     
    Insurance
    Mandatory for non-Japanese students only:
    - National Health Insurance (tax) approx. 8,000 yen to 9,000 yen
    Optional:
    - eCycle Insurance (Accidental injury (Hospital Charge ONLY), Personal Liability) 3,650 yen / year or 5,190 yen / year
     
  • Useful links

Contact

International Christian University / ICU

Graduate School Group (ERB Room#115)
International Christian University
3-10-2 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8585, Japan
gsg@icu.ac.jp
+81 422 33 3231

Faculty
Prof Dr Mark Williams, Vice President for International Academic Exchange
Prof Dr Taisei Kaizoji, Dean of Graduate School
Dr Naoko Obi, Coordinator for NOHA affairs

Staff
Graduate School Group
 

Last updated: 14 December 2017

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