Are you a young student passionate about leadership and interested in making an impact? Do you want to spend your summer exploring a new culture and gaining unique skills? United World College -UWC and International School of Asia, Karuizawa -ISAK Japan’s Summer School offers middle school students a transformative experience in the beautiful town of Karuizawa, Japan. This immersive program brings together young minds from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds, encouraging them to embrace global citizenship while developing core life skills.

The Summer School program is crafted to foster teamwork and a mindset geared toward positive change. Students engage in various learning activities that sharpen leadership abilities, enhance empathy, and encourage creative problem-solving. Through design thinking, mindfulness practices, and intercultural communication, participants discover more about themselves and how they can contribute to the world.

Beyond academics, this summer experience emphasizes community, inclusivity, and environmental appreciation. Students live in dormitories for 12 days, dine together, and discuss daily routines. Whether exploring nature or engaging in project-based learning, participants form lasting friendships and learn the value of teamwork in a supportive and vibrant international environment.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Opens: January 12, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
• Result Announcement Date: March 22, 2024
• Program Dates: July 19, 2024 – July 30, 2024 (12 days)
• Funding Type: Need-based financial assistance available
• Organizer: United World College (UWC)- International School of Asia, Karuizawa (ISAK), Japan
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Middle school students aged 13-14 (born between July 16, 2009, and July 15, 2011)
• Focus Area: Leadership, mindfulness, design thinking
• Study Level: Middle school
• Number of Opportunities: 80 students
• Duration: 12 days
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Japan

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected students will benefit from the program as follows:

• Transformational Leadership Training: Exposure to leadership principles, problem-solving, and self-development.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience Japan’s rich cultural landscape and scenic beauty.
• Need-based Financial Aid: Partial and full scholarships available based on financial need.
• Residential Life: Stay on campus with 24/7 support, meals provided, and opportunities for social interaction.
• Personal Development: Develop empathy, mindfulness, and teamwork skills with guidance from experienced mentors.

What You Will Learn

In addition to the above benefits, students will learn the following:

• Inquiry & Awareness: Techniques for self-awareness and understanding others.
• Action & Empowerment: Skills for independent and team-based decision-making and action-taking.
• Empathy & Diversity: Strategies to build empathy and connect meaningfully with diverse cultures.
• Creativity & Growth: Application of design thinking to solve real-world challenges.

Program Outline

The following are the highlights of the Summer School Program:

• Residential Experience: Students live in dormitories for 12 days, sharing daily routines and meals, fostering community and independence. Additionally, students will have access to full-time school staff, including nurses, to support them in their residential life. They will also talk about their daily experience and learning with their advisory group of two adults.
• Leadership & Project Work: Leadership workshops and project-based activities encourage students to practice leadership principles. The school introduces our leadership model to students and gives them as many opportunities as possible to implement it.
• Workshops & Events: Diverse indoor and outdoor classes, cultural events, talent shows, and hikes. Students can play sports, listen to music, read, or do anything else they want to do in their free time.

Eligibility Criteria

What requirements must the student meet to apply for the Summer School Program?

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 13-14 (born between July 16, 2009, and July 15, 2011).
• Language Proficiency: Basic English conversational skills required.
• Personal Qualities: Passionate, curious, creative, and willing to engage in group learning and activities.

Required Documents

Materials to submit for your applications are as follows:

• Completed Application Form: Accessible through UWC ISAK Japan’s portal.
• Short Essays: Reflecting on the student’s personal goals and aspirations.
• Video Introduction: A 2-3 minute video submission introducing themselves.
• Financial Aid Form: If applying for financial assistance.

How to Apply?

• Check Eligibility: Confirm age and English proficiency, particularly your age.
• Start Application: Create a UWC ISAK Japan portal profile.
• Complete Form and Submit Essays/Video: Finish application requirements, including the video introduction, and pay the 4,000 JPY or 2,000 JPY application fee if you apply before February 9
• Apply for Financial Aid (if needed): Fill out the financial aid form within the application.
• Submit Application: Ensure submission by March 1, 2024.
• Await Results: Notifications released by March 22, 2024.

Further details and information are available on the official UWC website.

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