Click on the photos below to learn more about our students!
Marah – Class of 2020, Libya
What do you want to show the world about your culture?
I want to share my traditions and celebrations, like Eid (a celebration we have after the month of fasting). I truly believe my people are the happiest I have ever met, they are always happy, smiling and so friendly even if the situation in Libya is not good. We have an amazing sense of community and our food is also so awesome!
What do you find special about living and studying in Japan?
Everything in Japan is special. The culture is so different from the culture of all others countries. They don’t have racism at all and they respect and help all foreigners. Japan is a very safe place to live and the people here are very friendly so It feels like home.
What do you want to tell people from your country/region of the world about UWC ISAK Japan?
UWC ISAK is the best school ever. The students here are so friendly and supportive, and the teachers are amazing. They care a lot about us; they provide everything we need; they take care of our health and make sure we are happy and we are enjoying being here. Also, we are given many opportunities to experience new things as well as the local culture.
Why do you think an education from UWC ISAK Japan can make a difference in the world?
The IB course is the best education system in the world. Also, the way the teachers teach us is so effective. The leadership sessions and the CAS project makes our learning so different from other students because you learn how to take action and lead your own project. And after you graduate from ISAK you can access a lot of good universities all around the world. I can’t say it has been easy, it has been quite difficult actually. Learning English and studying the IB course (in a language I don’t speak) at the same time can be very challenging, but I have learned that it is all worth it. But honestly, I’ve gotten a lot of support and help here.
What about has changed about you since arriving here at UWC ISAK Japan?
When I came to ISAK, I didn’t speak English at all, but now I can speak English and a little Japanese. My personality has became stronger and I have become independent as I live alone in a boarding school. I learned a lot of new things about math, global politics and other subjects since coming here. I have made many friends of different nationalities, so now I have connections in every corner of the globe. Living and learning with students from over 70 different countries has taught me a lot about the world. I have learned new things I didn’t know before and have become a more responsible and open minded person. Actually being here has changed my whole life and brightened my future.
Abdullah – Class of 2019, Oman
What do you want to show the world about your culture?
I want to show them the real traditions of our culture. Such examples include our love for our family and our patriotism.
What do you find special about living and studying in Japan?
Learning a new language that I never thought I’d get to speak. Also, the beauty of nature and landscape, alongside all the technological advancements and brilliant innovations.
What do you want to tell people from your country/region of the world about UWC ISAK Japan?
In addition to the great education you’d receive here, the whole experience of living in a dorm (independence) and meeting people from all around the world is invaluable.
Why do you think an education from UWC ISAK Japan can make a difference in the world?
We are already experiencing snippets of the real world as students. We are given support and encouragement to follow our goals and initiate the activities we want to. Everything is student-led and so we get to experience how to run a business (Merch club) or coach a team (sports) etc.
What about has changed about you since arriving here at UWC ISAK Japan?
I am a more independent and open-minded as I have had the experience of listening to different views and perspectives. This broadened my scope of knowledge and will be useful when I get out to the real world and deal with different people
PRIYA – India, Class of 2019
Favorite Subject: Physics
Favorite Author: Leigh Bardugo
Dream Career: Neurologist
Favorite Excursion: I loved going to the Zenkoji temple in Nagano last year. It was so beautiful and it was a good opportunity to learn Japanese culture.
Leadership training at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me that…
Something I learnt is that it’s ok to fail in something you do as long as you keep trying until you get it right. Another thing is you get better at what you practice.
“This year in Outdoor Ed I started bouldering! Its my new favorite thing.”
JAVI – Indonesia, Class of 2018
Favorite Subject: Chemistry
Favorite Movie: Fight Club
Dream Career: Biomedical Scientist
Favorite Excursion: An excursion to Tokyo for a Spanish festival. I liked it because it was essentially a whole day in Tokyo and the food at the festival was great.
Leadership training at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me that…
It is important to considering everyone’s opinion if possible in order to make a decision which is fair for all parties or at the very least the majority of people involved.
“I just love that in Science classes, there are tons of experiments which allows me to understand certain materials much easier.”
SAKI – Japan, Class of 2019
Favorite Subject: Mathematics
Favorite Food: Sushi
Dream Career: Journalist
Favorite Excursion: Kusatsu Onsen trip because I got to talk with people from different grades and also eat good food.
Leadership training at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me that…
Leadership is not something that you are born with and is something that you nurture. Following others is also a practice of leadership.
What is your greatest accomplishment since coming to UWC ISAK Japan?
I got to talk to professionals working in the field that I’m most interested in. I’d never imagined that those people would make time for me and accept my interviews. I’m proud of this because it is something that I would not have been able to achieve if I had not come to UWC ISAK Japan.
MINAMI – Japan, Class of 2018
Favorite Subject: Chemistry
Favourite Food: Chikara-Udon
Dream Career: Midwifery!
What is your greatest accomplishment since coming to UWC ISAK Japan?
I organised events at UWC ISAK Japan related to Japanese culture such as Bon Odori and Soranbushi. Since one of my aims of coming here was to spread my culture to the community, I am proud of having been able to accomplish this..
“Leadership at UWC ISAK Japan has given me an understanding of what a ‘Quiet Leader’ can be and I have been trying to be one in many places including her at school.”
Aniqa – Class of 2020, Pakistan
What do you want to show the world about your culture?
I come from Pakistan, the world’s sixth most populated country. My city, Karachi is located in southern Pakistan at the coast of the Arabian Sea. Living there is so beautiful as it is composed of ethno-linguistic people which makes it very diverse. Not only the people are nice and welcoming, but the food there is absolutely delicious too, especially the street food. One of the most interesting things is the way we celebrate our weddings; they are almost a week long with full of amazing traditional events. What I value the most amazing about my culture is that the families stick together with each other through everything and the strong connection between the family members.
What do you find special about living and studying in Japan?
I feel like Japan is a very organised country and people strictly abide by the laws. When it comes to dumping the trash, I find separating the burnables, plastics and bottles very unique. Also I really like the way escalators work here; if one wants to move quickly, they should walk from the right side of the escalator and the people on the left side remain still.
What do you want to tell people from your country/region of the world about UWC ISAK Japan?
I feel so happy to have become part of this spectacular community where you could so easily pursue your interests. There’s so much to learn here, not only by attending the classes but from other things as well, like having political discussions during meals. Apart from all the learning, there are a lot of cool clubs that you could join, or even start a new one. My favourite part about UWC ISAK is that with time, we make such good bonds with other students and faculty, that it begins to feel home.
Why do you think an education from UWC ISAK Japan can make a difference in the world?
I think that the experience of studying and living with people from all over the world is a way to bring us closer together. Also, UWC ISAK Japan helps us transform into leaders so that we can make a difference in this world through the practice of leadership.
What has changed about you since arriving here at UWC ISAK Japan?
Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan, I didn’t really try to experience new things. It was pretty much the same routine that I followed everyday. Unlike the old me, even though my day is so full here, I am always looking to do something more, wanting to go beyond my potentials to make the most out of this experience.
Maria – Class of 2019, Mexico
What do you want to show the world about your culture?
Given my unique circumstances within Mexico, for me the most efficient way to speak about my nation and culture would be through music, if I could explain Mexico with one piece, it would be Huapango by José Pablo Moncayo.
What do you find special about living and studying in Japan?
What I enjoy the most about living and studying in Japan is learning art forms I was not aware existed, such as Ikebana (flower arranging), Tea Ceremony, Shodo (calligraphy), and Origami. Moreover, Japan provides a unique set of technology and tradition; as a student, I have the opportunity to explore Japan’s endless search for modernity, but also to learn about history and tradition in world heritage sites while admiring the beauty of Japanese nature: mountains, volcanoes, lakes, marshlands.
What do you want to tell people from your country/region of the world about UWC ISAK Japan?
Our mission is very noble: education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Yet I realized that action for sustainability, tolerance, and peace starts within oneself. During my first months I expected UWC ISAK to excel in these qualities, nevertheless, perhaps the most important learning experience I had was that if I want to advocate for sustainability I had to start recycling myself, If I want to advocate for peace I had to be more patient with my housemates, If I want to “unite people,” I have to be more humble.
Why do you think an education from UWC ISAK Japan can make a difference in the world?
Education can make a difference in individual lives, and those individual lives come from diverse backgrounds and communities. I want to answer this with a quote by Dostoevsky: “For all is like an ocean, all flows and connects; touch it in one place and it echoes at the other end of the world.”
What about has changed about you since arriving here at UWC ISAK Japan?
I have become more patient and realist. I have grown a clear sense of my own integrity, and yet I am so eager to continue learning, growing and hearing new ideas
Eduardo – Mexico, Class of 2020
What do you want to show the world about your culture?
I want to show the world the energetic spirit, creativity and work ethic of the Mexican people.
What do you find special about living and studying in Japan?
Japanese traditions, art, and language are so vibrant and unique like no other around the world. Japan also represents great hope to build a more sustainable and peaceful future given its history, great success and involvement with various treaties that promote these values around the world.
What do you want to tell people from your country/region of the world about UWC ISAK Japan?
“The sooner you fail, the faster you will succeed.” That is one of the main lessons in our Leadership Course. At ISAK, failure is not seen as a situation we have to run away from; rather it is a necessary step for true and high-impact success. UWC ISAK Japan is the perfect space for the youth to execute audacious projects and discover our passions through hands-on experience.
Why do you think an education from UWC ISAK Japan can make a difference in the world?
UWC ISAK Japan is a rare case where innovation and self-awareness are placed at the core of the educational experience. As a consequence, we are better prepared to tackle challenging real-world problems while we build synergetic relationships across countries and cultures to achieve a common goal.
What about has changed about you since arriving here at UWC ISAK Japan?
I have developed a growth mindset which allows me to believe that my skills and intellect are not fixed. Instead, I think that my abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This helps me to be more resilient and be consistent with my work in order to reach my full potential.
Why did you apply for 3 years instead of 2?
Firstly, Pre-IB allows the students to have more flexibility to find our passions and purpose. Secondly, I had more time to adapt to the environment of an international boarding school. Thirdly, it helped me develop stronger English skills that would ensure a better transition to the IB Diploma.
DENZEL – Zimbabwe, Class of 2019
Favorite Subject: History
Favorite Food: Pancakes
Dream Career: Football Management
Favorite Excursion: Trip to Tokyo during Fall break. It helped me be more independent and responsible as I was in charge of my own curfew and activities which was a first.
Outdoor Education at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me…
That the human body can withstand much more adversity if it does not always believe in what the brain says.
What is your greatest accomplishment since coming to UWC ISAK Japan?
Getting a 6 for maths! (I’ve always struggled with it)
COSIMA – France, Class of 2019
Favorite Subject: History
Favorite Book: The Lord of the Rings
Dream Career: To have the opportunity to travel around the globe and meet many different people, no matter what I do.
What is something you love about Japan and/or Karuizawa?
Nature! I think the 4 seasons are all very different and very beautiful.
Why did you apply to UWC ISAK Japan?
I chose to apply to UWC ISAK Japan as I felt like a diverse school like this one would allow me to grow in many different aspects. I believe diversity is a strength, and I would be able learn to so much from the others. A community in which respect and personal opinions are valued sounded fantastic to me, and I just knew it was the environment I wanted to live in. I’ve also always dreamt of studying in Japan, and the location of this school could not be better. The boarding school experience was also very appealing to me.
I love living with roommates because…
If you are in trouble, they will be there to listen to you and help you out. It is a different kind of bond we share, and very special, in my opinion.
“Living together creates strong bonds and allows us to make friends for life.”
GUNN – Thailand, Class of 2018
Favorite Subject: Theory of Knowledge
Favorite Book: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Dream Career: Working for non-profit organisations
Favourite Excursion: I really enjoyed my excursion to Nagano City back in Fall 2016. It was my first excursion out of the Karuizawa-Saku area. I feel that as a new student coming to Japan for the first time last year, Nagano City offered almost all that Japan can offer – It has a big famous Japanese temple (Zenkoji) and a medium-sized modern city, which has all the restaurants and shops unique to Japan.
Leadership training at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me that…
We are not in control of everything that comes into our lives, but we do have control over our reactions and responses that would later impact everything else.
Something I love about the IB…
I love how many major IB assignments require us to write IAs and papers on topics that we are interested in. I feel that I have many opportunities to pursue the topics I am passionate about and go deep in those topics. Thus, in a way, I can learn more about things I’ve always wanted to learn more about but not yet have the opportunities to do so.
Lethabo (“Lee”) – Class of 2021, South Africa
What do you want to show the world about your culture?
I want show the world that in our culture we embrace the spirit of “UBUNTU” (I am because we are). Embracing my individuality yet adapting and learning from others cultural diversity.
What do you find special about living and studying in Japan?
Japan is a first-class world rendering a first-class education to big dreamers like me.
What do you want to tell people from your country/region of the world about UWC ISAK Japan?
– UWC ISAK Japan is a one-of-a-kind school; a place to be. Whereby, you are encouraged to pursue/unearth your passion/dream no matter how far-fetched you think it is.
Why do you think an education from UWC ISAK Japan can make a difference in the world?
– Education from UWC ISAK can make a difference in the world in a sense that because we all come from different places around the world, we get to see that the stereotypes that are made about other races/religions are not true. Instead our differences/ideas can work towards a common goal of making the world an innovative and better place for all.
What about has changed about you since arriving here at UWC ISAK Japan?
I leant that I must never get to a point where I think I know but instead put more focus on learning more.
Why did you apply for 3 years instead of 2?
I applied for 3 years because the first year is for me crossing over to a first world and the other two years are for showing the world that if I dream it I can do it.
CRISTINA – USA, Class of 2019
Favorite Subject: Global Politics
Favourite Food: Ramen
Dream Career: Politician
Outdoor Education at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me… Going through difficult physical challenges can help you handle the difficult mental challenges ahead of you.
“I love how my roommate has basically become my sister. We support each other and are a good presence to make sure we are being healthy.”
ELHAM – Afghanistan, Class of 2020
Favorite Subject(s): Leadership and Math
Favorite Book: The Kite Runner
Favorite Food: Qhabuli
Favorite Excursion: Kusatsu onsen, one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. It is said that this can cure every illness but lovesickness!
Why did you apply to UWC ISAK Japan?
One of the advantages was that it was located in the most beautiful city (Karuizawa) in Japan! I like Japan’s culture, and I believe it has the kindest people in the world. Secondly, because it is diverse, I knew that I would have the opportunity to live with different people, from different backgrounds and cultures in order to work together and make the world a better place. I believed that UWC ISAK would make me a leader; it provides an environment where we can find our strength and own leadership style and where we can realize our potential to become a change-maker by practicing leadership in our daily lives. We also get to experience the best and most modern education system, which is what I don’t have in my home country. Here I have my new family.
ESTHER – Sierra Leone, Class of 2018
Favorite Subject: Chemistry
Favorite Author: J.K. Rowling
Dream Career: Chemical Engineer
Favorite Excursion: Skiing. It was my first time and I got to learn a new sport/recreational activity and I learned a lot about the environment I live in.
Outdoor Education at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me… To be concerned about the well-being of others even if you are safe.
What is your greatest accomplishment since coming to UWC ISAK Japan?
Being able to live with others and accept each others’ differences.
AYARIN – Thailand, Class of 2020
Favorite Subjects: Biology and Art
Favorite Food: Thai Green Curry
Dream Career: Movie Director
What is something you love about Japan and/or Karuizawa?
The breath-taking views!
Why did you apply to UWC ISAK Japan?
I chose to apply to UWC ISAK Japan because I got the chance to experience the ISAK summer school in 2015. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I was amazed by how much I had changed and the memories and friendships I gained in just two weeks. That was when I realized that this was the school I wanted to go to. I felt that UWC ISAK Japan was a very unique place that could potentially help me find what I want to do with my life.
Leadership training at UWC ISAK Japan has taught me that…
There are many types of leadership, but most importantly it is not a title — it is a job/duty. Also, anyone can be a leader.