“Our approach to education will keep you fascinated in the process of learning and give you critical thinking and leadership skills that will set you apart.”
-Malcolm McKenzie
UWC ISAK Japan Head of School
About ISAKx
ISAKx is a new online education initiative by UWC ISAK Japan. Our vision is to introduce the “ISAK” method of critical thinking and diverse international classrooms to an audience that isn’t otherwise able to physically experience living and learning at UWC ISAK Japan.
Courses & Instructors
FALL COURSES
Sept. 25 - Dec. 11, 2022
| Intercultural Understanding and Empathy | 10:00 - 11:30 JST |
| Perspectives in Literature | 10:00 - 11:30 JST |
| Politics, You and Today's World | 16:00 - 17:30 JST |
| Climate Change and Biodiversity | 16:00 - 17:30 JST |
WINTER COURSES
January 29 - April 16, 2023
| Climate Change and Biodiversity | 10:00 - 11:30 JST |
| Science, Progress and Society | 10:00 - 11:30 JST |
| Stories and Self-Exploration | 16:00 - 17:30 JST |
FALL 2022 COURSES
COURSE NAME
Perspectives in Literature
COURSE DATES
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Perspectives in Literature will expose students to a variety of short literary forms from around the world. Through an exploration of poetry, short stories, and essays students will acquire the skills to get to the heart of literary analysis while learning valuable skills in empathy and connection. While much of school tends to focus on how we do things, literature courses focus on the vital question of why we do things. This course will focus on two main units: first, understanding and communicating with ourselves; and second, understanding and communicating with others.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, we will think critically, analyze and discuss a poem, essay, comic, passage from a book, or other literary work. Each work is carefully chosen to deepen our understanding of why we do the things we do. Our ultimate goals are, to better understand how we communicate, how different perspectives can offer multiple interpretations, and to foster a lifelong love of literature and learning.
INSTRUCTOR
Jonathan Osorio
Jonathan has taught at UWCs around the world, including UWC ISAK Japan. He approaches his English classes with an emphasis on how literature can help us understand ourselves and others. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in advertising, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development. He uses this to design courses that help students learn how to find balance in their lives while developing an appreciation for literature.
COURSE NAME
Perspectives in Literature
COURSE DATES
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Perspectives in Literature will expose students to a variety of short literary forms from around the world. Through an exploration of poetry, short stories, and essays students will acquire the skills to get to the heart of literary analysis while learning valuable skills in empathy and connection. While much of school tends to focus on how we do things, literature courses focus on the vital question of why we do things. This course will focus on two main units: first, understanding and communicating with ourselves; and second, understanding and communicating with others.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, we will think critically, analyze and discuss a poem, essay, comic, passage from a book, or other literary work. Each work is carefully chosen to deepen our understanding of why we do the things we do. Our ultimate goals are, to better understand how we communicate, how different perspectives can offer multiple interpretations, and to foster a lifelong love of literature and learning.
INSTRUCTOR
Jonathan Osorio
Jonathan has taught at UWCs around the world, including UWC ISAK Japan. He approaches his English classes with an emphasis on how literature can help us understand ourselves and others. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in advertising, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development. He uses this to design courses that help students learn how to find balance in their lives while developing an appreciation for literature.
COURSE NAME
Politics, You and Today’s World
COURSE DATES (this course runs twice)
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
We will explore the concept of power and learn the skills to analyze current affairs and begin engaging with politics in society. Politics is the study of power, and there are different types of power and different individuals and groups in society that use power differently. The course will revolve around four themes - Society and the State, Peace and Conflict, Rights and Responsibilities, and Welfare and Development. The course challenges students to engage with current affairs in their own societies and practice the skills necessary to be a political actor.
What is a typical class like?
In each class, we take an important political concept and try to understand the idea then immediately apply it to us in a way that it connects to us personally. Politics is an idea that can feel far away and disconnected from us and we will change that every week. The classes bounce between individual reflections, large group dialogue with the whole class, and discussions in small groups. This way we can be sure to learn from everyone.
INSTRUCTOR
Cary Reid
Cary believes in student-directed learning in and out of the classroom. He spends most of his time helping design new ways for schools to believe when students say that they understand what is being taught. Cary studied peace and conflict at school and worked in diplomacy and in public health before returning to teaching. He believes in the UWC ideal of bringing passionate young people together to learn from each other.
COURSE NAME
Politics, You and Today’s World
COURSE DATES (this course runs twice)
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
We will explore the concept of power and learn the skills to analyze current affairs and begin engaging with politics in society. Politics is the study of power, and there are different types of power and different individuals and groups in society that use power differently. The course will revolve around four themes - Society and the State, Peace and Conflict, Rights and Responsibilities, and Welfare and Development. The course challenges students to engage with current affairs in their own societies and practice the skills necessary to be a political actor.
What is a typical class like?
In each class, we take an important political concept and try to understand the idea then immediately apply it to us in a way that it connects to us personally. Politics is an idea that can feel far away and disconnected from us and we will change that every week. The classes bounce between individual reflections, large group dialogue with the whole class, and discussions in small groups. This way we can be sure to learn from everyone.
INSTRUCTOR
Cary Reid
Cary believes in student-directed learning in and out of the classroom. He spends most of his time helping design new ways for schools to believe when students say that they understand what is being taught. Cary studied peace and conflict at school and worked in diplomacy and in public health before returning to teaching. He believes in the UWC ideal of bringing passionate young people together to learn from each other.
COURSE NAME
Climate Change and Biodiversity
COURSE DATES
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The subtitle for this course is “Malaria, Murder and Monarch Butterflies,” which highlights the impact of climate change on the diversity of the natural world and how it is shaped by, and shapes, human societies. The course will initially focus on conservation efforts in our own regions; how scientists study biodiversity; and the issues society must address in order to protect the environment. We will then shift our focus to the mechanisms of climate change, its impact on biodiversity, and the role of biodiversity in maintaining the earth as a liveable human habitat. Finally, we will explore the actions we might take towards protecting the earth for future generations.
As we explore these issues and examine case studies from around the world, students will develop new critical thinking skills and learn to connect the lesson to their own personal experiences and values so that their actions and opinions are intentional and defendable.
What is a typical class like?
As an interdisciplinary course, class activities will range from conducting online investigations, to interactive simulations to structured small group discussions using a range of collaboration tools. Each week we will look at different mechanisms, causes and outcomes of climate change. In the last few weeks of the course students will develop individual, localized plans for taking action to stop the climate crisis.
INSTRUCTOR
Mandy Heddle
Dr. Mandy is a biologist with a passion for education, conservation and natural history. As a graduate student, she specialized in evolutionary biology of insects on Pacific Islands including Hawaii and Tahiti. Though she loved her research in the islands, she felt that there was little point pursuing academic conservation efforts, when children (and adults) have become so disconnected from nature and so she committed to a career in environmental education, encouraging students (and teachers) to learn about their natural world and to take ownership for their learning. Dr. Mandy earned her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from UC Berkeley in California.
For the past decade, she has been teaching Environmental Science to students aged 7-22, in a variety of international settings, from the urban chaos of Bangkok to the peaceful forest surroundings at UWC ISAK, and most recently at a seed saving centre in rural northern Thailand.
COURSE NAME
Climate Change and Biodiversity
COURSE DATES
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The subtitle for this course is “Malaria, Murder and Monarch Butterflies,” which highlights the impact of climate change on the diversity of the natural world and how it is shaped by, and shapes, human societies. The course will initially focus on conservation efforts in our own regions; how scientists study biodiversity; and the issues society must address in order to protect the environment. We will then shift our focus to the mechanisms of climate change, its impact on biodiversity, and the role of biodiversity in maintaining the earth as a liveable human habitat. Finally, we will explore the actions we might take towards protecting the earth for future generations.
As we explore these issues and examine case studies from around the world, students will develop new critical thinking skills and learn to connect the lesson to their own personal experiences and values so that their actions and opinions are intentional and defendable.
What is a typical class like?
As an interdisciplinary course, class activities will range from conducting online investigations, to interactive simulations to structured small group discussions using a range of collaboration tools. Each week we will look at different mechanisms, causes and outcomes of climate change. In the last few weeks of the course students will develop individual, localized plans for taking action to stop the climate crisis.
INSTRUCTOR
Mandy Heddle
Dr. Mandy is a biologist with a passion for education, conservation and natural history. As a graduate student, she specialized in evolutionary biology of insects on Pacific Islands including Hawaii and Tahiti. Though she loved her research in the islands, she felt that there was little point pursuing academic conservation efforts, when children (and adults) have become so disconnected from nature and so she committed to a career in environmental education, encouraging students (and teachers) to learn about their natural world and to take ownership for their learning. Dr. Mandy earned her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from UC Berkeley in California.
For the past decade, she has been teaching Environmental Science to students aged 7-22, in a variety of international settings, from the urban chaos of Bangkok to the peaceful forest surroundings at UWC ISAK, and most recently at a seed saving centre in rural northern Thailand.
COURSE NAME
Intercultural Understanding and Empathy
COURSE DATES
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course aims to help students better understand their position, role, and purpose in society and the world they live in. We will also try to better understand the expectations of the world and how we can strategize to meet some of those expectations without losing focus of our personal convictions and goals. Our interactive sessions will bring to life the unique stories, societies, cultures, practices, beliefs, and value systems of distant worlds; some we know of and some we will get to know for the first time. Our aim is to develop a better understanding of the societies and cultures of different regions. Through this understanding, we hope to foster more humble and respectful attitudes towards people and cultures different from our own.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, we will begin class by having a student volunteer share a short video, literary piece or talk about something unique about their family, country or culture, and tell us why this is important to them or their people. We will then have the class venture into asking questions about what they saw and heard, then have a discussion as areas of interest arise. We will all then explore the weekly highlighted topic using vlogs, magazine articles, newspaper articles and even current affairs news items as the center of our discussions. The aim is to have you, the students, have a safe place to express yourselves and your views about your place as an individual, in your society, and your world.
INSTRUCTOR
Kevin Thompson
Kevin is the head of the humanities department at Immaculate Conception High, in Kingston Jamaica, and is the author of one of the best-selling Caribbean Studies textbooks in the region. Kevin is passionate about the development of young people, and has worked with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education in delivering workshops to students and young teachers in his home country. He has recently partnered with the Inter-American Teacher Education Network, to create policies that will help the Caribbean’s education ministries to better focus on the education needs of children.
and Empathy
COURSE NAME
Intercultural Understanding and Empathy
COURSE DATES
Fall Semester (September 25 - December 11, 2022)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course aims to help students better understand their position, role, and purpose in society and the world they live in. We will also try to better understand the expectations of the world and how we can strategize to meet some of those expectations without losing focus of our personal convictions and goals. Our interactive sessions will bring to life the unique stories, societies, cultures, practices, beliefs, and value systems of distant worlds; some we know of and some we will get to know for the first time. Our aim is to develop a better understanding of the societies and cultures of different regions. Through this understanding, we hope to foster more humble and respectful attitudes towards people and cultures different from our own.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, we will begin class by having a student volunteer share a short video, literary piece or talk about something unique about their family, country or culture, and tell us why this is important to them or their people. We will then have the class venture into asking questions about what they saw and heard, then have a discussion as areas of interest arise. We will all then explore the weekly highlighted topic using vlogs, magazine articles, newspaper articles and even current affairs news items as the center of our discussions. The aim is to have you, the students, have a safe place to express yourselves and your views about your place as an individual, in your society, and your world.
INSTRUCTOR
Kevin Thompson
Kevin is the head of the humanities department at Immaculate Conception High, in Kingston Jamaica, and is the author of one of the best-selling Caribbean Studies textbooks in the region. Kevin is passionate about the development of young people, and has worked with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education in delivering workshops to students and young teachers in his home country. He has recently partnered with the Inter-American Teacher Education Network, to create policies that will help the Caribbean’s education ministries to better focus on the education needs of children.
COURSE NAME
Climate Change and Biodiversity
COURSE DATES
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The subtitle for this course is “Malaria, Murder and Monarch Butterflies,” which highlights the impact of climate change on the diversity of the natural world and how it is shaped by, and shapes, human societies. The course will initially focus on conservation efforts in our own regions; how scientists study biodiversity; and the issues society must address in order to protect the environment. We will then shift our focus to the mechanisms of climate change, its impact on biodiversity, and the role of biodiversity in maintaining the earth as a liveable human habitat. Finally, we will explore the actions we might take towards protecting the earth for future generations.
As we explore these issues and examine case studies from around the world, students will develop new critical thinking skills and learn to connect the lesson to their own personal experiences and values so that their actions and opinions are intentional and defendable.
What is a typical class like?
As an interdisciplinary course, class activities will range from conducting online investigations, to interactive simulations to structured small group discussions using a range of collaboration tools. Each week we will look at different mechanisms, causes and outcomes of climate change. In the last few weeks of the course students will develop individual, localized plans for taking action to stop the climate crisis.
INSTRUCTOR
Mandy Heddle
Dr. Mandy is a biologist with a passion for education, conservation and natural history. As a graduate student, she specialized in evolutionary biology of insects on Pacific Islands including Hawaii and Tahiti. Though she loved her research in the islands, she felt that there was little point pursuing academic conservation efforts, when children (and adults) have become so disconnected from nature and so she committed to a career in environmental education, encouraging students (and teachers) to learn about their natural world and to take ownership for their learning. Dr. Mandy earned her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from UC Berkeley in California.
For the past decade, she has been teaching Environmental Science to students aged 7-22, in a variety of international settings, from the urban chaos of Bangkok to the peaceful forest surroundings at UWC ISAK, and most recently at a seed saving centre in rural northern Thailand.
COURSE NAME
Climate Change and Biodiversity
COURSE DATES
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The subtitle for this course is “Malaria, Murder and Monarch Butterflies,” which highlights the impact of climate change on the diversity of the natural world and how it is shaped by, and shapes, human societies. The course will initially focus on conservation efforts in our own regions; how scientists study biodiversity; and the issues society must address in order to protect the environment. We will then shift our focus to the mechanisms of climate change, its impact on biodiversity, and the role of biodiversity in maintaining the earth as a liveable human habitat. Finally, we will explore the actions we might take towards protecting the earth for future generations.
As we explore these issues and examine case studies from around the world, students will develop new critical thinking skills and learn to connect the lesson to their own personal experiences and values so that their actions and opinions are intentional and defendable.
What is a typical class like?
As an interdisciplinary course, class activities will range from conducting online investigations, to interactive simulations to structured small group discussions using a range of collaboration tools. Each week we will look at different mechanisms, causes and outcomes of climate change. In the last few weeks of the course students will develop individual, localized plans for taking action to stop the climate crisis.
INSTRUCTOR
Mandy Heddle
Dr. Mandy is a biologist with a passion for education, conservation and natural history. As a graduate student, she specialized in evolutionary biology of insects on Pacific Islands including Hawaii and Tahiti. Though she loved her research in the islands, she felt that there was little point pursuing academic conservation efforts, when children (and adults) have become so disconnected from nature and so she committed to a career in environmental education, encouraging students (and teachers) to learn about their natural world and to take ownership for their learning. Dr. Mandy earned her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from UC Berkeley in California.
For the past decade, she has been teaching Environmental Science to students aged 7-22, in a variety of international settings, from the urban chaos of Bangkok to the peaceful forest surroundings at UWC ISAK, and most recently at a seed saving centre in rural northern Thailand.
COURSE NAME
Stories and Self-exploration
COURSE DATES
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Stories and Self-exploration is an interactive journey of some of the most important elements of the human experience, such as friendship, love, otherness, spirituality and transformation. These topics are relevant to everyone, but to young people in particular. Through the words of writers and the eyes of characters we will engage in powerful exercises in empathy. From here, we will work on the awareness of our own feelings and thoughts, sharing our perspectives, stories and experiences with each other.
Ultimately, this course will offer you an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy literature through a variety of media while exploring its connections to your life. It will help you develop empathy and a sense of your own voice while improving your communication skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, our conversation will start with a literary prompt, not only from written passages but from a range of media such as slam poetry videos, songs and movie clips. We will employ a range of drama activities, creative writing exercises, and more.
INSTRUCTOR
Simone Sgarbossa
Simone approaches education (and life) with enthusiasm and an abundance mindset. He aims to promote his students’ self-awareness, intellectual fulfillment and holistic growth. Simone has been involved with the UWC movement for over twenty years as an educator and a teacher, and he has served as the Head of the English Department at UWC ISAK Japan. Simone holds a PGCE from the University of Sunderland and a Master’s in International Educational Leadership and Change from The Education University of Hong Kong.
COURSE NAME
Stories and Self-exploration
COURSE DATES
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Stories and Self-exploration is an interactive journey of some of the most important elements of the human experience, such as friendship, love, otherness, spirituality and transformation. These topics are relevant to everyone, but to young people in particular. Through the words of writers and the eyes of characters we will engage in powerful exercises in empathy. From here, we will work on the awareness of our own feelings and thoughts, sharing our perspectives, stories and experiences with each other.
Ultimately, this course will offer you an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy literature through a variety of media while exploring its connections to your life. It will help you develop empathy and a sense of your own voice while improving your communication skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, our conversation will start with a literary prompt, not only from written passages but from a range of media such as slam poetry videos, songs and movie clips. We will employ a range of drama activities, creative writing exercises, and more.
INSTRUCTOR
Simone Sgarbossa
Simone approaches education (and life) with enthusiasm and an abundance mindset. He aims to promote his students’ self-awareness, intellectual fulfillment and holistic growth. Simone has been involved with the UWC movement for over twenty years as an educator and a teacher, and he has served as the Head of the English Department at UWC ISAK Japan. Simone holds a PGCE from the University of Sunderland and a Master’s in International Educational Leadership and Change from The Education University of Hong Kong.
COURSE NAME
Science, Progress, and Society
COURSE DATES
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science, Progress and Society seeks to develop science communicators who can better access and evaluate scientific endeavors in the 21st century. Ongoing technological revolutions in this age of misinformation and disinformation necessitate new conversations about science’s role both in society and the search for truth. Classes will explore breakthrough scientific advances as we discuss the opportunities for progress and its challenges in our near future. By engaging with big questions and new content, students will develop a critical understanding of an array of scientific fields, processes, and outcomes, serving as a foundation for their own pursuit of truth.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, we will investigate progress from a new perspective. Classes start with an introduction to current frontiers of scientific knowledge and technological development. This learning edge is constantly shifting, so students are encouraged to share news articles, academic papers, and their questions through the online classroom and during the video calls. Comics, quotations, and models provide easy access to complex and complicated topics to all learners. Typical classes will introduce the use of online tools and provide an opportunity to practice what we learn. Breakout sessions several times each class are organized around thematic questions and help us better understand one another’s visions for our future.
INSTRUCTOR
Ryan Murphy
Ryan has worked as an IBDP teacher in Canada, India, Ethiopia and Japan and has taught a range of courses including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems & Societies, Marine Science, Physics and Theory of Knowledge. Ryan studied endosymbioses (B.Sc) and biogeochemistry (M.Sc) and also worked with wildlife in Canada, Ghana, and Cambodia. He has served as the Head of Biodiversity & Sustainability at UWC Mahindra College and Head of Science at UWC ISAK Japan. Ryan thoroughly enjoys teaching and learning through systems thinking, scientific inquiry, and education for sustainability.
COURSE NAME
Science, Progress, and Society
COURSE DATES
Winter Semester (January 29 - April 16, 2023)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science, Progress and Society seeks to develop science communicators who can better access and evaluate scientific endeavors in the 21st century. Ongoing technological revolutions in this age of misinformation and disinformation necessitate new conversations about science’s role both in society and the search for truth. Classes will explore breakthrough scientific advances as we discuss the opportunities for progress and its challenges in our near future. By engaging with big questions and new content, students will develop a critical understanding of an array of scientific fields, processes, and outcomes, serving as a foundation for their own pursuit of truth.
What is a typical class like?
Each week, we will investigate progress from a new perspective. Classes start with an introduction to current frontiers of scientific knowledge and technological development. This learning edge is constantly shifting, so students are encouraged to share news articles, academic papers, and their questions through the online classroom and during the video calls. Comics, quotations, and models provide easy access to complex and complicated topics to all learners. Typical classes will introduce the use of online tools and provide an opportunity to practice what we learn. Breakout sessions several times each class are organized around thematic questions and help us better understand one another’s visions for our future.
INSTRUCTOR
Ryan Murphy
Ryan has worked as an IBDP teacher in Canada, India, Ethiopia and Japan and has taught a range of courses including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems & Societies, Marine Science, Physics and Theory of Knowledge. Ryan studied endosymbioses (B.Sc) and biogeochemistry (M.Sc) and also worked with wildlife in Canada, Ghana, and Cambodia. He has served as the Head of Biodiversity & Sustainability at UWC Mahindra College and Head of Science at UWC ISAK Japan. Ryan thoroughly enjoys teaching and learning through systems thinking, scientific inquiry, and education for sustainability.
Testimonials
Program Details
COURSE DURATION
Each course is 12-weeks long. There is one 90-minute class each week.
STUDENT BODY
Each class will include 15-20 students
COURSE FEE
¥175,000 per 12-week course*
APPLICATION FEE
¥2000*
Who Can Apply?
AGE ELIGIBILITY
14-16 years old (as of August 1st 2022)
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY
Classes will be held in English so language ability will be considered, but even more importantly, ISAKx students should be passionate, curious, creative, and willing to engage.
How to Apply
Step 1 - Check
Check your eligibility: 14-16 years old (as of August 1st 2022)
Step 2 - Start
Start your application by creating a profile on our portal or logging back in if you have used our application portal before.
Step 3 - Complete
Complete your application which includes some short essay questions and a 2-minute video assignment by paying the ¥2000 application fee.
If you need to apply for financial assistance, please fill in the financial aid form within your application. Financial Assistance requests submitted after you have submitted your application will not be considered.
Step 4 - Submit
Submit your application as soon as possible!
Fall semester deadline: Monday, August 22nd at 23:55 (JST).
Winter semester deadline: Monday, December 26th at 23:55 (JST).*
*Please visit the Course Fee section for more information about the early bird discount.
Step 5 - Results
Applications without Financial Aid
Fall Semester: Friday August 26 and the payment deadline is Friday September 2, 2022.
Winter Semester: from September you will receive your result within 10 working days after submitting your application. If you pay by November 30, 2022 you can receive an early bird discount.
Applications with Financial Aid
Results and financial aid application results for the Fall semester will be announced on Friday, September 9th (JST).
If the program is not yet full Winter semester financial aid application results will be announced January 13, 2023.
FAQs
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
We are pleased to offer a limited amount of financial assistance (for both full and partial scholarships) to successful applicants. We hope this support will allow us to welcome more students from around the globe and also ensure that we embrace diversity in our student body. However, applicants interested in financial assistance must submit the financial assistance application form before the deadline of application forms.
IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?
There is a ¥2000 non-refundable application fee (if you get selected and receive full financial aid we will reimburse the application fee).
IS THERE A DISCOUNT IF I ENROLL INTO MORE THAN ONE COURSE?
Yes, we have a couple of discounts available. If you are an ISAKx alum (short program or core course) you will receive a 5% discount if you enroll into a course. If you are new to ISAKx or an alum you will receive a 5% discount if you enroll into 2 or more courses.
Lastly, if you pay your winter course tuition before the early bird deadline you will also receive a 5% discount. The early bird deadline is November 30, 2022.
The maximum amount of discount you can stack upon each other and receive is 15%.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES?
If you cancel before the third class of the semester (before October 9 or February 12), ISAKx will refund the remaining sessions' fee*. However, we will withhold a registration fee of 20,000 JPY.
*Program fee is 14,500 JPY per class (week). Bank transfer fees are not included in this amount. Please burden this at your expense.
HOW DO WE PAY FOR THE PROGRAM FEE?
Bank transfer or money transfer via Western Union will be available.
IS THIS ONLY FOR JAPANESE STUDENTS?
No. ISAKx is open to students from around the world.
HOW MUCH ENGLISH IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THIS ONLINE COURSE?
Classes will be held in English so language ability will be considered, but even more importantly, ISAKx students should be passionate, curious, creative, and willing to engage. In previous editions, ISAKx students have enjoyed the opportunity to gain more confidence in their English speaking ability.
WILL AN EQUAL NUMBER OF APPLICANTS BE ACCEPTED FROM EACH GRADE?
We have not set a specific number of students to be accepted for each grade level. However, in order to diversify the ages of students, we will try to achieve a balance between the grade levels.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO ARE ACCEPTED FROM A SPECIFIC COUNTRY/TIME ZONE?
There is no limit for the number of students accepted from a specific country or time zone. The program will accept students based on their individual qualities, as well as the overall diversity of the student body.
ARE THERE INTERVIEWS?
There are no formal interviews, but we do use a video assignment as part of the application to screen applicants.
I APPLIED TO UWC ISAK JAPAN BUT WAS NOT ACCEPTED. CAN I APPLY TO ISAKX?
Yes! ISAKx courses are independent of UWC ISAK Japan's high school and Summer School programs.
WHAT IS ELIGIBILITY FOR ISAKX PROGRAMS?
For ISAKx Core Courses, 14-16 years olds (as of August 1st, 20212 are eligible. For the ISAKx Online Summer Program, Grade 7-10 students are eligible.
WILL THERE BE LIVE SESSIONS DURING THE COURSE?
Live participation is a key part of the ISAKx experience and we expect students to join our classes as they happen. However, recordings of each class will also be made available.
WILL THERE BE MAKE-UP CLASS SESSIONS IF I MISS A CLASS?
Unfortunately, we will not offer make-up classes, since we would like to ensure a small and intimate class size that enables interactive discussion. Students should plan to attend all sessions, but in case you miss a class, please catch up by viewing the recordings of each class that will be made available.
IS THIS GOING TO BE TAUGHT BY TEACHERS FROM UWC ISAK JAPAN?
Our teachers come with a vast set of experiences and the teaching team includes former UWC ISAK Japan high school teachers.
WILL THE CLASSES BE DIVIDED BY AGE?
Each ISAKx class will be composed of a mix of ages and nationalities.
CAN I REGISTER FOR MULTIPLE COURSES SIMULTANEOUSLY?
Yes, you can choose the amount of courses you enroll in. Please be mindful of the schedules and the time zones. Make sure that you can attend the classes you apply for. If you enroll for more than one course, a discount may be applied.
HOW IS THIS ONLINE COURSE DIFFERENT FROM UWC ISAK JAPAN'S SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM?
ISAKx is conducted entirely online and focuses on in-class engagement, and happens throughout the year.
IS THIS PART OF UWC ISAK JAPAN'S HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM?
No. ISAKx is completely separate from UWC ISAK Japan’s high school program.
WILL ISAKX CERTIFICATION HELP ME GET INTO UWC ISAK JAPAN?
ISAKx is independent from UWC ISAK Japan’s high school admissions process. However, we expect ISAKx certification to be a strong indicator for potential high school or university applications.
WILL MY TEACHERS AT ISAKX WRITE RECOMMENDATION LETTERS FOR MY HIGH SCHOOL AND/OR COLLEGE PLACEMENT APPLICATIONS IF REQUESTED?
Yes, we may consider writing a recommendation letter if relevant at the time and depending on student's active participation and contribution to her/his class.
WHAT KIND OF DEVICES DO I NEED IN ORDER TO TAKE THIS COURSE?
You will need access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with a webcam, a microphone, and sound (speakers or earphones). A laptop computer would be ideal, but a smartphone may be all you need.
During the classes, we strongly recommend planning to turn on the video camera to help facilitate interactions with your instructors and classmates.
WHAT KIND OF ONLINE TOOL DO WE USE?
We will use “Zoom” and “Google Classroom” for our program. All students will be required to have a gmail account.
