Clubs & Activities

UWC ISAK Japan’s dynamic Clubs & Activities program offers 30+ clubs, competitive sports, and student-led opportunities to empower students in pursuing their passions. Updated annually based on interest, it ensures students can explore and develop unique interests. Students must participate in one Core Activity, Core Sport, and have the option to join Student-Led clubs throughout the academic year.

Core Activities

All students engage in Core Activities that resonate with our school’s identity and mission. These activities are divided into seven categories: Peace & non-violence, Stewardship & sustainability, Creativity & entrepreneurship, Japanese culture, Global affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, and Leadership.

During your two or three years here, you will have the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities with a purpose, and while you can choose the activities that are most interesting to you, you must engage in a minimum of two areas during your time at UWC ISAK Japan. Faculty members run Core Activities, while students can be involved as Leaders, co-leaders, or as participants. This ensures that all students have the chance to engage with our school’s identity and mission while pursuing their interests and developing leadership skills.

Core Sports

The Core Sports program at UWC ISAK Japan is designed for students who wish to participate in competitive sports. We follow a no-cut philosophy, so any student who demonstrates interest and commitment can participate in a team. Core Sports have a season, with regularly scheduled practices and games/matches run by faculty members and student Leaders, co-leaders, or team members. Some teams are competitive, while others are more casual, providing opportunities for all ability levels.

Core Sports take place both on-campus, in the gym and outdoor field, and in Karuizawa, utilizing the town’s facilities, such as tennis courts, swimming pool, and martial arts center. In addition to the Core Sports program, several student-led club sports are active on campus, providing even more opportunities for students to participate in athletic activities. By participating in Core Sports, students have the chance to improve their physical fitness, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and engage in healthy competition. Core Sports is just one of the many ways that UWC ISAK Japan supports and encourages students to pursue their interests and develop important life skills.

Student-led clubs

Our Student-Led Clubs provide students with the opportunity to pursue their passions by joining, starting, and/or leading their own co-curricular activities. These clubs and committees are sustained from year to year by students who choose to become activity leaders and participate in our group leader training program. In addition to their regular participation, student leaders have additional responsibilities such as managing the club’s budget and meeting bi-weekly with a faculty member for support.

By participating in club leadership sessions, student leaders prepare themselves for these added responsibilities and learn valuable skills such as budgeting, organizing events, and communication. Student-Led Clubs at UWC ISAK Japan are the perfect way to pursue your interests, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in the school community.