About The Program
Tokyo is a city of dichotomies where suited-up techies zoom by graceful geisha in Japanese kimonos. Situated in one of the busiest metropolises in the world, Mitaka is an older, more established suburb of Tokyo. Within Mitaka, the International Christian University is a confined campus where you can escape neon billboards and focus on academics. With classes in English and Japanese, you can find success with any level of Japanese language proficiency, including intensive courses for those who want to focus on Japanese language ability. ICU offers a truly bilingual environment and a quarter-system academic calendar. UC students have the option to conduct research with the support of an invited faculty mentor. Concentrate on your studies in the classroom and then make trips into Tokyo to practice your Japanese with locals. Head to Tokyo Dome City to take in a baseball game, ride theme park coasters, and binge on Japanese fare. Watch the Tokyo street scene at Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. Bring your haggling skills to the inner and outer layers of Tsukiji Market. See a Buddhist temple fire ritual where giant taiko drums pound out offerings to the deity.
Where you'll study
ICU is a small liberal arts college in Mitaka, a western suburb of Tokyo. ICU values different nationalities, races, and cultures, and purposefully creates a multicultural environment. Small classrooms, a direct connection with teachers, and a spirited debate culture are features of this intimate campus setting. Surrounded by rich natural forested beauty, the large campus takes time to navigate so you’ll want to have a bike. Join the local students and faculty taking in the natural beauty riding bicycles between campus facilities and where they live. The ICU campus is known for its spaciousness, greenery, and a famous Sakura Cherry blossom avenue.
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From The Californian Abroad
I feel really lucky to have completed a study abroad experience at International Christian University (ICU). I'm very grateful to the UCEAP Tokyo team for doing their best to make our experience as amazing as possible. I'm very lucky to have had the opportunity to connect with the community as much as I did. Even though I was only at ICU for half a year, it definitely made my experience 10 times more meaningful.
The most valuable skill I learned from interning at Shizenkan is the importance of being open-minded. Retaining a sense of open-mindedness communicates humility, and can lead one to a treasure box of opportunities.
The people I met were all passionate and I learned what true dedication means. In talking with them, exchanging ideas, and learning new perspectives, I have come to appreciate the little things and treasure what I love. I am confident in saying that study abroad has been an eye-opening experience and that I've grown both personally and professionally.
While studying abroad involves loads of paperwork and deadlines, which are especially challenging when juggling other responsibilities, you're not alone in this process. The UC system offers comprehensive support, from scholarships to financial aid teams to UCEAP advisors, making this the perfect time to pursue your dream of studying abroad!
Studying abroad for a year in Japan taught me that true growth isn't about seeing all the tourist attractions—it's about finding joy in the ordinary, like biking along the Tama River. Beyond improving my Japanese and gaining independence, I learned that happiness isn't found in radical change but in embracing the everyday. It's not about running away; it's about creating your own sense of belonging wherever you are.