International Christian University (ICU) Guide for Overseas Applicants: Bilingual Liberal Arts, Admissions, Tuition, Dorms, and Career Outcomes

Mission, History & Founding Story

International Christian University (ICU) opened in 1953 with an unusual promise for Japan at the time: deliver a fully liberal‑arts education that fosters peace, global citizenship, and ethical leadership. The university was shaped by Japanese and North American educators in the post‑war era, aiming to rebuild through dialogue, mutual understanding, and rigorous scholarship. While “Christian” appears in the name, ICU is non‑denominational and welcomes students from all faiths and none; the focus is on human dignity and service to society, not religious affiliation. Commitments & History

From day one, ICU chose a Japanese–English bilingual policy on campus. That choice still defines daily life: students read, discuss, and write in both languages, faculty and staff communicate across languages, and club/circle life often mixes the two. This bilingualism supports ICU’s liberal‑arts model, in which students explore broadly before declaring one of 30+ majors, then dive deep with faculty mentoring and research opportunities. The small student‑to‑faculty ratio keeps classes interactive and personal, building critical thinking and communication—the portable skills that carry into any field. Liberal Arts at ICU / Majors

The campus itself—620,000 square meters of green space in Mitaka, Western Tokyo—supports that mission. A short train ride from Shinjuku or Shibuya, ICU feels like a wooded college town: academic halls, a central library, athletic fields, a chapel, and on‑campus dormitories form a walkable learning community. The setting creates room for reflection, but students are hardly isolated—Tokyo internships, research collaborations, and cultural life are close by. Facilities & Campus

Key Strengths & Unique Features

A Global, Bilingual Liberal‑Arts Core

ICU’s liberal‑arts structure lets you explore humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences for up to two years before declaring a major. Throughout, classes leverage a Japanese–English bilingual environment: you read, discuss, and present across languages, gradually taking more courses in your second language as proficiency builds. This is not a “separate track” for international students—everyone learns together. Japanese–English Bilingual Education / World Languages

ELA & JLP: Structured Language On‑Ramps

Two cornerstone programs support the bilingual model. The English for Liberal Arts (ELA) places students into streams and keeps class sizes small (~20) so you practice academic reading/writing, argumentation, and presentations in English. Meanwhile, the Japanese Language Program (JLP) meets learners at any level—from complete beginner to advanced—and moves you toward taking content courses in Japanese. Both programs are woven into the degree, so language learning connects directly to major coursework. ELA / JLP / Applying in English (ELBA)

Dialogue‑Oriented, Small‑Group Classes

ICU favors discussion over one‑way lectures. You’ll encounter seminar‑style classes, group work, tutorials, and frequent feedback—formats that push you to think out loud, listen carefully, and write clearly. The student‑to‑faculty ratio is roughly 18:1, and you’ll feel that scale in classroom dynamics and advising. If you want professors who learn your name and challenge your ideas, this model delivers. Dialogue‑Oriented Classes / Liberal Arts (why small groups matter)

Signature Area: Global Studies

Ask ICU insiders about “flagship” fields and you’ll often hear Global Studies—an interdisciplinary major that blends international relations, governance, history, and culture. It trains you to analyze global issues and lead across borders, a natural fit with ICU’s bilingual campus and study‑abroad ecosystem. Coursework builds toward research projects and internships that connect Tokyo with the wider world. Global Studies Major

Study Abroad & a Deep Partner Network

ICU students study abroad in many formats—term‑ or year‑long exchanges, short summer programs, service‑learning, and more. The University of California partnership is one of Japan’s longest‑running exchange relationships (over 60 years), and the overall network spans 84 universities in 31 countries/regions (as of March 2025). In a typical year, 450+ ICU students earn credits overseas. Study Abroad (Overview) / Partners & stats / UC partnership (News)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Over 100 student‑run circles and athletic clubs welcome new members each term—from orchestra and a cappella to archery, aikidō, and volunteer groups. You’ll find both English‑friendly and Japanese‑led communities (great for practice). Extra‑curricular Activities (Clubs)

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Well‑being)

ICU’s student services include immigration and enrollment support, housing guidance (on‑campus dorms and vetted off‑campus options), and counseling/health services. International students can expect workshops and one‑on‑one advising as they settle in. Counseling & Health / Dormitory Outline & Fees

Language Exchange & Peer Learning

Because bilingual study is the norm, you’ll naturally find peers who want to swap languages. Many circles and dorm communities organize informal language meet‑ups, and the curriculum itself provides structured practice through ELA/JLP tutorials. ICU also shares progress under its “Global ICU” initiatives. Global ICU (SGU)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

ICU manages exchange with partner universities worldwide (North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania). Options range from one‑term to full‑year, plus summer study and service‑learning. International students coming to ICU from partner schools will work with the International Office for nomination and application logistics. Study Abroad (ICU outbound) / International Office: How to Apply (Inbound)

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Mitaka, Tokyo)

Mitaka sits on Tokyo’s western edge: greener and more residential than central wards, but still connected by JR lines. Weather follows a classic Kanto pattern—cool/dry winters, a mild spring, humid rainy season in early summer, hot summers, and comfortable autumn. To plan your wardrobe and dorm essentials, check the Japan Meteorological Agency normals for Tokyo. JMA Climate Normals

Safety‑wise, Tokyo continues to perform strongly in independent benchmarks—one well‑cited reference is the Safe Cities Index 2021 (Economist Impact). While no ranking can capture every nuance, the index gives a sense of the city’s overall infrastructure, health, environmental, digital, and personal security. Safe Cities Index (hub) / 2021 Whitepaper (PDF)

International Student Statistics

ICU publishes annual “University Data” PDFs with enrollment snapshots (by program, status, etc.) and outcomes. Figures change from year to year, so it’s best to cite the latest official tables when you apply or prepare documents. Start with “ICU in Numbers” for a visual overview, and use the PDFs for more detailed breakdowns. ICU in Numbers / University Data (Students, PDF)

Career & Graduate Prospects

ICU graduates head into multinationals, NGOs/NPOs, tech and consulting, education, media, public sector, and graduate school in Japan and abroad. Career support starts early (resume clinics, interview practice, alumni talks), and international students can get guidance on work eligibility and timelines. Explore the overview below and, if you’re an international student, also skim the data sheet that summarizes outcomes for recent cohorts. Paths after Graduation / International Students: Career (PDF)

Admissions (English‑based Route) – Useful Docs

If you plan to apply in English (ELBA), read the latest Undergraduate Admissions Guide carefully for eligibility, tests, essays, recommendations, and timelines. Applying in English (ELBA) / Undergraduate Admissions Guide 2026 (PDF)