Beyond the prospectus: what life is like at the International College of Liberal Arts

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The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA), also known as Yamanashi Gakuin University, is a liberal arts college in Japan where students follow a broad curriculum taught in English. Set in the shadow of Mount Fuji, just 90 minutes from Tokyo, students can immerse themselves in Japanese culture while pursuing a modern liberal arts degree.

Ashley Gor, who is majoring in Japan studies, is in her fourth and final year at iCLA. She has been talking to prospective students via the Chat to Students function for about two years, and as one of the only students to enrol at iCLA from Singapore, she understands the value of getting an honest picture of what life is really like at the college.

“I mostly get asked about the application process and the English-language requirement. People want to know what they need to keep in mind,” she explains. While students often seek information about facilities such as the gym and the extracurricular clubs on offer, they’re also keen to be reassured about how they will cope with the American-style curriculum being delivered in what may not be their first language.

“People who are already in the school have a different view to the admin staff,” Ashley adds. “They know what it feels like and can give you a sense of security beyond reading the guidelines on the website.” Some students enquire about accommodation, living conditions and the prospects of getting a part-time job that might require them to speak Japanese.

Chatting to students when you’ve been there for some time can also help to give a more rounded view of life at iCLA, Ashley says. “They can ask questions about the syllabus with teaching staff but ask us on the chat who is your favourite teacher, what the classes are really like.”

She summarises some of the main highlights about life at the college, such as the impressive teacher-to-student ratio and how much time she spends on independent study outside classes. One of the unique opportunities available to iCLA students is the chance to study Japanese language and culture alongside their degree, which can be quite time-consuming but fulfilling, she says.

Ashley enjoys advising prospective students about iCLA courses and life in Japan, and she takes time answering questions to ensure that she’s covering everything the student might need to know, providing relevant links to online resources. She can do this via the Chat to Students app or online.

One of the platform’s useful functions is the ability to refer students to a university administration representative if there’s a question she cannot answer, such as how to transfer credits.

As someone who attended international schools before joining the college, Ashley enthusiastically recommends iCLA for its diversity and global outlook. “I’ve been in international schools all my life, and this is the most international place I’ve been,” she says. “Before I knew people from lots of countries, but many had the same background and mindset. There is true diversity here.”

To speak to student ambassadors from iCLA, click .