Winter School - UWC ISAK Japan

Winter School

About Winter School

Looking for something different this winter break? Be part of our Winter School where you'll spend five days interacting with current UWC ISAK Japan students, exploring new perspectives, and making new friends in Nagano's winter wilderness!

winter-school-hike
Students
Nationalities
Life-changing experience

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Our Winter School program is based on UWC ISAK Japan's years of experience educating young people through our High School and Summer School programs. Here are a few highlights of what to expect at Winter School.

Outstanding
Faculty

Our faculty are deeply experienced in UWC ISAK Japan-style education and are passionate about teaching young people how to be future leaders.

International Atmosphere

Students currently enrolled in our high school program will be helping with Winter School so you can interact with people from countries around the world. Past Summer School staff will also be present bringing many new perspectives and ideas.

Transformative Program

Our Winter School program is uniquely designed for young people seeking to discover more about themselves, others, and to learn how to act forthrightly to create positive change in the world.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Exploration and Curiosity

This is your first opportunity to get in touch with UWC ISAK Japan’s unique educational approach. At Winter School you will explore themes such as leadership, diversity and creating change. Exploring new parts of the world, yourself and others. Many questions will be raised, asked and answered. Together we will embark on a journey of new possibilities and gaining new perspectives.

Design Thinking and Learning

A key component of Winter School is Design Thinking and the ideas and mindsets embedded in it. You will learn how you can design solutions and change processes from a human perspective. How to empathize with others, ideate many ideas and how to prototype and test your ideas and solutions. In the range of lessons and workshops we offer you will learn about the world, how other people live their lives and form your own view and opinion on it.

Future Change Project and Teamwork

In a short time span of just a couple of days you will identify a problem and work towards a solution. With your peers you will work together connecting all that you have learned and the skills you gained in order to solve a real life problem. At Winter School you will experience what real teamwork looks and feels like and bring home your new found insights and skills.

TESTIMONIALS

Students rated Winter School with a 9.6 in 2021

Everything that I experienced was memorable, but the future change project had the most influence on my thinking. I learned it is important to think about every stakeholder…Thank you for making this not only the highlight of 2021, but also my life!

ANNA

The memorable thing in Winter School was my relationships with all of the people but the most was how I got to think outside the box in classes and the final project. It has influenced my thinking because before, I thought it was impossible for me to make changes to the world at my age but now I think I can make change if I try to and take action.

HANA

The most memorable thing is to be considerate of others and know that we are all different people with different opinions, so its not unusual for us to have different ideas and it is important for everyone to take in each other's ideas and build upon those ideas even if one does not agree with them. I learned that people could always learn something new from other people because not all people look at the same thing with the same perspectives and opinions.

KEI

It was a good program to be creative and come up with ideas, and to be able to discuss with students, and also socializing with different people.

HWAIN

I think all the activities during the winter school changed my perspectives of how I think about global problems and communications in general. I also liked the activities outside because I was able to talk to new people and socialize.

ANONYMOUS

Program Details

PROGRAM DATES

December 26-30, 2022

TUITION

¥155,000

LOCATION

Program Venue: UWC ISAK Japan Campus
Accommodation: Japanese-style facility nearby UWC ISAK Japan

ENROLLMENT LIMIT

Up to 50 students*

* To achieve its experiential goals, Winter School requires a minimum enrollment of 35 students. If we are not able to secure 35 enrollments, Winter School 2022 will be canceled and full refunds will be offered.

Who Can Apply?

APPLICATION PERIOD

11 October through 15 November, 2022

AGE ELIGIBILITY

Students born between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

Winter School will be held in English so language ability will be considered, but even more importantly, Winter School students should be passionate, curious, creative, and willing to engage.

How to Apply

Applications will open on October 11th. Information about the application process will be uploaded here in due time.

Step 1 - Check 

Check your eligibility: You are born between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 (12 - 13 years old during Winter School)

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 ¥1500 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. Be aware there is very limited financial assistance available for Winter School.

Step 4 - Submit

Submit your application as soon as possible and before the deadline of 15 November, 2022.

Step 5 - Results

Results will be available by 25th of November.

FAQs

When should I submit my application? いつまでに応募する必要がありますか?

Submit your application as soon as possible. Applications will not be accepted after November 15th.
早めのご応募をお勧めいたします。ご応募の受付は11月15日までとさせていただきます。

How will my application be assessed? 応募の審査は、どのように行われますか?

Your application will be assessed based on a few short essays and a 2-3 minute video that you will submit in your application form.
ご応募用紙に記載された数本の小論文と2~3分のビデオで審査されます。

Do I need to be fluent in English? どの程度の英語力が必要ですか?

No, you don’t need to be fluent in English. We are not assessing your English skill, but the Winter School will be conducted in English.
英語が流暢である必要はございません。ご応募内容を審査させていただく際、英語力は判断の対象となっておりませんが、ウィンタースクールは英語で実施されますので、ご了承ください。

When will I know if my application was successful? 応募した場合、合否の結果はいつ頃届きますか?

Results will come out on the 25th of November.
合否の結果は11月25日にお送りします。 

Will there be a waitlist? 合格しなかった場合、キャンセル待ちはできますか?

Yes. Strong applications might be added to the waitlist. This means that you will have the chance to attend Winter School if a place opens up.
参加者にキャンセルが生じましたら、審査の結果に応じて、キャンセル待ちの方にご参加の可否を確認させて頂きます。

I have a Japanese passport and live overseas. Can I still apply?日本国籍で海外在住ですが、参加することはできますか?

Yes you can apply, as long as you can comply with the most current border restriction requirements from the government. 
はい、応募できます。ただし、日本政府が設けている最新の渡航制限をご確認ください。

I am coming from overseas and need to organize travel and quarantine. Will UWC ISAK take care of this for me? 海外から参加する場合、フライトや2週間の隔離期間についてUWC ISAK Japanが手配してくれますか?

Unfortunately, we can’t help with international travel and quarantine arrangements. If you are able to come to Japan on your own and meet us in Karuizawa at the set date and time you are welcome to apply.
申し訳ありませんが、渡航や隔離に関してはお手伝いできません。ご自身で日本に入国し、軽井沢までいらっしゃれれば、ぜひご応募ください。

How many participants will attend?参加者数は何人ですか?

There will be a maximum number of 50 students and a minimum number of 35 students. If we are not able to secure 35 enrollments, we do not believe Winter School will be able to achieve its experiential goals for our students. In that case, Winter School 2022 will be canceled and full refunds will be offered.

ウィンタースクールの参加者は最大で50名を予定しております。最少催行人数は22名となります。参加者数が35名を下回る場合は、多様性から学ぶというウィンタースクールの目的の実現が困難となるため、ウィンタースクールは中止となります。その場合は、お支払い頂きました参加費を全額ご返金させて頂きます。

How can I contact my child during the program? ウィンタースクールの期間中に生徒と連絡を取る方法はありますか?

Please contact your child by emailing the Winter School team. If it is an emergency, please call us. Contact details will be provided to accepted participants.

ウィンタースクール中にお子様にご連絡されたい場合は、ウィンタースクール事務局までメールにてご連絡下さい。緊急の場合は、お電話頂けますようお願いいたします。ウィンタースクール事務局の連絡先は、合格された方々にお知らせ致します。

Is it possible to accommodate food for religious and allergies? アレルギーや宗教上の食事制限に対応した食事は用意されますか?

Yes. We accommodate food for each person who has food restrictions or religious requirements.
アレルギーや宗教上の理由で食事制限がある生徒さんには個別に対応しておりますのでご安心ください。

How do you handle illness and injuries? Are there any clinics/ hospitals nearby? ケガや病気をした時の対応はどのようになっていますか?病院はありますか?

If a student needs to go to a clinic or hospital, a Winter School staff member will take the student and we will report to parents about health conditions.
病院の受診が必要な場合は、スタッフが病院まで同行し、しっかりと対応させて頂きます。ケガや通院をされた際には、保護者の方に状況をご連絡いたします。

Can participants use a cell phone during the program?ウィンタースクールの期間中、携帯電話は使えますか?

No. In order for students to fully focus on the program and have interaction with students from UWC ISAK Japan, we will keep your cell phone and other electronic devices until you leave.
ウィンタースクールの期間中は、プログラムに集中して頂くために、携帯電話などの電子機器を学校側でお預かりしますのでご使用頂けません。

Is it possible for family and/or friends to visit while Winter School is in session? ウィンタースクールの期間中、家族や友達がキャンパスに行って生徒に会うことはできますか?

Because of the intensive nature of the experience, we will not hold a visiting day.
ウィンタースクール期間中は、たくさんの活動で毎日忙しくお過ごし頂きますので、ご家族やご友人のご来校はご遠慮いただいております。

When is the deadline for tuition payment? 参加費の支払いの締め切りはいつですか?

The deadline for tuition payment is due December 2nd.
参加費のお支払い締め切りは12月2日です。

Under what circumstances could Winter School be canceled? ウィンタースクールが中止されるのは、どのような場合でしょうか?

Winter School could be canceled if: less than 35 participants attend; COVID-19 poses a significant threat; or, a natural disaster or other unforeseen event means it is unsafe to hold Winter School.
参加者数が最少催行人数(22人)に届かなかった場合や、新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大、自然災害その他の事情により安全な開催が困難となったと場合は、ウィンタースクールを中止させて頂く可能性がございます。

What happens if UWC ISAK Japan cancels Winter School?ウィンタースクールが中止された場合の対応を教えてください。

If UWC ISAK Japan cancels Winter School, we will refund your tuition.
当校がウィンタースクールを中止した場合、お支払い頂きました参加費はご返金させて頂きます。

What happens if the student cancels their attendance? 生徒が参加をキャンセルした場合、参加費は返金されますか?

A participant can cancel up to December 7th and receive a refund. Cancellations made after December 7th can not be refunded. Please send us an email to cancel.
12月7日までにキャンセルのご連絡をいただいた場合は参加費をご返金させていただきます。12月7日以降のキャンセルにつきましてはご返金致しかねますので、ご了承ください。キャンセルのご連絡はメールにてお送りいただけますようお願いいたします

Do students need to bring a computer or tablet? パソコンは持参する必要はありますか?

No. Students do not need to bring their own laptop computer or tablet. All the electronic devices (e.g. laptop, tablet, cell phone, camera, game devices) must be turned in on the day of your arrival. We will return your items on the day of departure.
ご持参頂く必要はありません。パソコン、カメラ、携帯電話、ゲーム機などの電子機器はキャンパス到着後、学校側でお預かりしまして、プログラム終了時にご返却させて頂きます。

Can students use a cell phone during the program? ウィンタースクールの期間中、携帯電話は使えますか?

No. In order for students to fully focus on the program and have interaction with students from UWC ISAK Japan, we will keep your cell phone and other electronic devices until you leave.
ウィンタースクールの期間中は、プログラムに集中して頂くために、携帯電話などの電子機器を学校側でお預かりしますのでご使用頂けません。

Is it okay to bring my own camera and take photos? カメラを持参してもいいですか?写真は撮れますか?

If you bring a camera, it will be collected on the first day of winter school and returned to you on the last day. But, don’t worry, UWC ISAK Japan staff will be taking lots of photos and we will share the pictures with you after the program. We will also post pictures on our website and Facebook page during the program so parents can follow along.
カメラなどの電子機器は学校側でお預かりしますので、ウィンタースクールの期間中はご使用頂けません。学校側で生徒さんの参加風景などを撮影し、プログラム終了後にお送りさせて頂きます。プログラム期間中も、ホームページやFacebookに写真を掲載致しますので、保護者の皆様は、ぜひご覧ください。

Do students need to bring extra spending money? おこづかいは必要ですか?

There is no need to bring spending money. All activities and outings are included in the program and there are no shopping excursions during the winter school. Please bring some change for the coin laundry if you intend to do laundry during the camp.
ウィンタースクール期間中の全てのアクティビティ費用は参加費に含まれております。お金を使う機会がありませんので、おこづかいは必要ありません。ただし、期間中にコインランドリーを使用することを希望される方は、小銭をご用意ください。

 

Is it possible to accommodate food for religious and allergies? アレルギーや宗教上の食事制限に対応した食事は用意されますか?

Yes. We accommodate food for each person who has food restriction or religious requirements.
アレルギーや宗教上の理由で食事制限がある生徒さんには個別に対応しておりますのでご安心ください。

Can I bring snacks? お菓子は持参してもいいですか?

Yes, but we will keep your snacks until the last day of the program in order to prevent problems for your roommates who may have particular food allergies.アレルギーのある他の生徒とのトラブルを避けるため、ご持参されたお菓子はウィンタースクール終了時までお預かりします。

Do I need to bring my own hairdryer? ヘアドライヤーはありますか?

There will be hairdryers available for the students.
ヘアドライヤーは設置されておりますので、ご持参頂く必要はございません。

Can I do my laundry?洗濯はできますか?

Yes, there will be laundry facilities available. A coin laundry is available at the accommodation, so please bring small change for your laundry.
コインランドリー(洗濯機、乾燥機、洗剤)をご利用頂くことが出来ます。ご利用される方はお金をご持参下さい。

May I bring my electronic English dictionary? 電子辞書を持参してもいいですか?

Yes. You may bring your dictionary and use it in your workshops.
はい。ご持参いただき必要に応じてプログラム中にご使用いただけます。

Will anyone be waiting for me at Karuizawa Station? 子どもが軽井沢駅に着いたら誰か迎えに来ていますか?

Yes! A UWC ISAK staff member will be waiting for you at Karuizawa station. Details on which exit to take will be sent to accepted participants.
軽井沢駅でスタッフが待機し、生徒さんを学校まで誘導しますのでご安心ください。駅構内の集合場所その他の詳細は、合格された方々にお知らせいたします。

I’m driving to Karuizawa for Winter School. Where should I drop off my child? 軽井沢まで車で行く場合、集合場所はどこになりますか?

Please drop your child off at Karuizawa station. The exact time and location will be shared closer to the Winter School start date.
お車で軽井沢にいらっしゃる場合、軽井沢駅にてお子様をお預かりします。駅の集合場所その他の詳細は、合格された方々にお知らせいたします。

Is it possible for family and/or friends to visit while Winter School is in session? ウィンタースクールの期間中、家族や友達がキャンパスに行って生徒に会うことはできますか?

Because of the intensive nature of the experience, we will not hold a visiting day.
ウィンタースクール期間中は、たくさんの活動で毎日忙しくお過ごし頂きますので、ご家族やご友人のご来校はご遠慮いただいております。

Is there a plan for dealing with COVID-19? 新型コロナウイルスについて、どのような対策を取っていますか?

Yes. The procedures and plans for COVID-19 will be shared with participants when offers are sent out. We will do our utmost to minimize and manage the risk COVID-19 poses to our Winter School community.
ウィンタースクールに参加される皆様の安全を最優先に考え、新型コロナウイルスの感染防止策を徹底してまいります。合格者の皆様には、詳細をご案内させて頂きます。

How do you handle illness and injuries? Are there any clinics/ hospitals nearby? ケガや病気をした時の対応はどのようになっていますか?病院はありますか?

If a student needs to go to a clinic or hospital, a Winter School staff member will take the student and we will report to parents about health conditions.
病院の受診が必要な場合は、スタッフが病院まで同行し、しっかりと対応させて頂きます。ケガや通院をされた際には、保護者の方に状況をご連絡いたします。

Join Our Mailing List

Receive the latest school news, events, and important program updates

Privacy Policy
Copyright © UWC ISAK Japan

UWC ISAK Japan
5827-136 Nagakura
Karuizawa, Kitasaku-gun,
Nagano 389-0111
0267-46-8623

QUESTIONS?

Can't find what you are looking for
or have a specific inquiry?

Scroll to Top