International College of Liberal Arts at Yamanashi Gakuin University

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University is located in the scenic city of Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan—just a convenient 90-minute train ride from the vibrant center of Tokyo. This unique location offers students the best of both worlds: the tranquility and cultural richness of a regional setting combined with easy access to one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan areas. iCLA provides a four-year Bachelor’s degree in International Liberal Arts, taught entirely in English, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a globally oriented education in Japan.

Our academic program is designed to be both rigorous and flexible, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education while having the freedom to explore their interests. iCLA offers six diverse majors: Data Science, Global Business and Economics, Interdisciplinary Arts, Japan Studies, Political Science, and Psychology. Each major is carefully structured to provide depth in the chosen field while encouraging interdisciplinary learning. This approach equips students with the ability to think critically across multiple domains, a skill that is increasingly essential in today’s interconnected world.

One of the defining features of iCLA is its commitment to fostering a truly international learning environment. Our student body represents over fifty-five countries, creating a vibrant and diverse community on campus. This diversity is not just a statistic—it is a cornerstone of the iCLA experience. Students learn to adapt to different cultures, broaden their perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers from around the globe. These interactions help students refine their own beliefs and develop a deeper understanding of global issues, preparing them to become thoughtful and adaptable leaders in any field.

The curriculum at iCLA is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, blending traditional liberal arts subjects with contemporary areas of study. While majors such as Economics and Political Science provide a strong foundation in social sciences, students also have access to courses in Data Science, Business, Sociology, Psychology, and the Arts. For those who wish to go beyond conventional academic boundaries, iCLA offers the option to design a personalized major by selecting courses across disciplines. This flexibility empowers students to create an academic path that aligns with their passions and career aspirations.

Unlike traditional universities that often confine students to narrow fields of study, iCLA prepares learners for the complexities of a technology-driven world. Today’s society is shaped by digital innovations that influence not only how we work and communicate but also how we think and interact. Behind the convenience of digital devices lies an intricate and often invisible network of systems that impact human capabilities and identity. Ignoring these forces would leave students ill-equipped to navigate future challenges. Recognizing this, iCLA integrates digital science methodologies into its liberal arts curriculum. This integration ensures that graduates are not only culturally and intellectually informed but also technologically literate—an essential combination for success in the modern era.

Beyond academics, iCLA places great emphasis on creating a supportive and enriching student life. Comfortable and affordable on-campus housing is available to all students, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Residences are designed to balance privacy with opportunities for social interaction, accommodating a variety of lifestyles. Living alongside both international and Japanese students provides countless opportunities for cultural exchange and lifelong friendships, further enhancing the global experience that defines iCLA.

At its core, iCLA is dedicated to cultivating critical thinking, effective communication, and creative problem-solving skills. These qualities, combined with small class sizes and close faculty interaction, ensure that every student receives personalized attention and guidance. Our goal is to prepare graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped to lead informed, meaningful lives in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.