Kofu, Chubu region, Nhật Bản
How do you manage stress and your mental health as an international student?
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Japan Studies
Moving abroad for university definitely came with challenges, and I’ve had to learn different ways to cope with stress. One of my main strategies has been building routines that give me balance. For example, I make time for exercise, cooking, and journaling. These activities help me step away from academic pressure and reconnect with myself! Another important resource for me has been friends. Having a supportive circle of people I can talk to has been one of the most effective ways to manage stress. I’ve also made use of university resources like the student counseling services. Even just a few sessions helped me gain new perspectives! Overall, I try to take care of my mental health by combining personal routines, social support, and professional resources. It’s not about eliminating stress completely, but about learning to manage it in ways that keep me grounded and able to focus on my goals.
Student life
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Political Science
As an international student in Japan, I've learned that balancing studies and life is the key for managing stress. I follow a strict schedule during every semester in order to stay organized, but I've also learned not to be too hard on myself when things don't go as planned. I've found peace in knowing I can always ask for help, be it from friends, professors, or the counseling services at iCLA. The strong community here gives me reassurance and a sense of belonging. Activities, conversations, and self-care moments all remind me that mental health thrives on balance, connection, and kindness to oneself.
Student life
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts
Being stressed is a normal thing especially around exam weeks, so there's multiple ways to cope. For me i'd usually hang out more with my friends or study together with them, like it doesn't really help the stress but it helps knowing we're suffering equally as each other XD. Being in yamanashi too there's a lot of places where you can just chill out as it's a very scenic and peaceful prefecture, such as park benches scattered around kofu city, or even temples and shrines.
Student life
What five things should every international student bring with them when studying abroad?
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Japan Studies
From my experience, one of the most important things to bring when studying abroad is anything that helps you feel at home. Adjusting to a new country can be exciting but also overwhelming, so small personal items like photos, a favorite book, or something connected to your culture can make a big difference when you’re feeling homesick. On a more practical side, I’d recommend: Electronics: adapters for outlets, and if possible, an unlocked phone so you can easily set up a SIM card. Seasonal clothing: Japan has four distinct seasons, and Yamanashi especially can get very hot in summer and cold in winter. Having versatile layers is a must! Comfort foods/snacks from home: even though Japan has amazing food, sometimes you’ll really crave the taste of home. The key advice I’d give to prospective students is: bring the essentials, but don’t overpack. Japan has almost everything you’ll need, you just want to make sure you bring the things that are hardest to replace and most meaningful to you!
Student experience
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Political Science
When it comes to preparing to study in Japan, my first advice for prospective students is to pack smartly and intentionally. First, you need to ensure that your chargers and adapters match Japan's system ( type A plugs with 100V voltage) to avoid early frustrations. As well, the clothing you pack should be versatile for more than one season, as this will help you adapt with the changing weather. Moreover, if your ethnicity is black, consider bringing essential hair products as they are costly and hard to find here in Japan. Additionally, pack condiments or spices from home to enjoy the comfort of familiar meals. Most importantly, don't forget what you cannot live without; learning some basic survival Japanese. While you embark on this journey, note that studying abroad is not only about what you carry, but how you grow in your new environment.
Student experience
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts
Upon arriving, bring a powerbank and make sure you have wifi the moment you get here otherwise navigating will be an absolute nightmare. After that make sure you have cash too, as even though Japan is very advanced it's surprisingly still a very cash heavy country especially outside of big cities like Tokyo. Lastly learn a bit of japanese just to get by, something as simple as greetings works too
Student experience
What are your top money saving tips for international students?
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Political Science
From my experience of studying in Japan for more than 3 years, I've learned that managing my money is not just about saving a few pennies, it's been about me creating habits that I hope to benefit from in the future. One of the hacks I found is taking full advantage of student discounts. I have been using Amazon prime student membership for more than 2 years now, which cost only 3000yen a year. This gives me free deliveries, access to prime videos, prime music, and other features. Because of this discount, I don't need to pay for any other streaming or delivery subscriptions. Everything is all covered under one plan. Another rule that keeps me financially grounded is the 10% rule: I save at least 10% of any income, no matter how small the amount. To make my savings more effective, I also keep a separate savings account, which helps me track my progress and resists me from the temptation to spend. When it comes to shopping, I only buy what I truly need. This simple mindset shift has stopped me from making unnecessary purchases. For groceries in Japan, I highly recommend Aeon Big and Loppia. Their prices are student friendly, and they often have great deals on essentials. Finally, one of the biggest money savers for me has been cooking my own meals. I prepare my food 95% of the time, making a noticeable difference in my budget as compared to when I used to eat out most of the time. It's healthier, cheaper, and gives me full control of what I consume. One thing to note is that saving money as a student should not result in depriving yourself of things, it should be about you being intentional about your choices. In so doing, every penny you save will ultimately bring you one step closer to financial freedom and peace of mind.
Affordability
What is student life like at iCLA?
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts
Being in iCLA has been a fantastic experience for me. A lot of people are thrown off by the fact that the class sizes are small, but for me that just made it all the better, since by the time the 2nd or 3rd week of class goes by you'd probably know everyone in the class, and some might even be your best friend, and it's also super nice to be able to talk freely with the professors too, making the class atmosphere fun. The community is probably the highlight for me, as someone who grew up in a small city for 90% of their life it's such an amazing experience and opportunity to meet people from around the world, and it's great to be able to learn different cultures and collaborate with them too, as it basically opens your mind to just how big the world is. Overall, i'd say coming here to iCLA has been a blast, as now i can safely say i've met people from all over the world, and not only that the community really made the iCLA experience so much better, as pretty much most of the events held in iCLA are student led, and even then they'll make sure you're gonna have a fun night during the event with them!
Student experience
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Japan Studies
Life at iCLA is an immersive experience, where students not only pursue academic excellence but also engage deeply with a diverse and vibrant community. With its dynamic mix of international students and faculty, iCLA offers a truly global education in a setting that fosters both personal and intellectual growth! A Global Community One of the most remarkable aspects of iCLA is its diverse student body. Students from all over the world come together to create a rich tapestry of cultural perspectives. This diversity is not just a backdrop but a central part of the learning experience. Whether in the classroom or in the dorms, the international environment prepares students to be global citizens. A Supportive Environment What truly sets iCLA apart is its supportive community. Professors' offices, with their transparent glass walls, embody the college’s open-door policy, encouraging students to seek advice and engage in intellectual discussions. This accessibility, combined with the college’s commitment to student well-being, creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. A Life-Changing Experience Overall, student life at iCLA is about more than just earning a degree. It's about growing as an individual, building meaningful relationships, and experiencing the world from different perspectives. Whether it's through academics, cultural exchanges, or social activities, iCLA provides a well-rounded experience that leaves a lasting impact on its students. In essence, iCLA is not just a place to study—it's a place to thrive.
Student experience
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Psychology
Being a student at iCLA has been a life changing experience for me. I really appreciate being able to study at a small university because I have been able to form strong personal relationships with my professors that have really helped bring out the best in me as a student. I find it really interesting getting to meet around 100 new students from around the world every semester and I now have friends in many countries I am looking forward to visit someday. As a creative, studying here has helped me meet many talented students who I have made music with and been able to perform our songs on stage at the Gala every semester. There's also a growing music scene in Kofu and it has been really fun being able to perform in the city and be a part of it.
Student experience
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Political Science
My time at iCLA has so far been marked by a vibrant student community, consisting of faculty and fellow students from all over the world. Studying in this diverse setting has been an opportunity for me to grow on a personal and intellectual level. iCLA’s small class sizes are a key aspect that promotes a lively and interactive learning atmosphere. This close-knit environment has enabled me to explore the intricacies of political science in depth while forming close bonds with classmates and faculty. The state-of-the-art amenities at iCLA have been a standout for me. The Reading Center at the Language Acquisition Center and study booths are my best spots on campus. In these places, I can interact with academic Literature, carry out research, and focus on assignments without any distractions. Another distinctive feature of iCLA’s campus is the convenient proximity of professors’ offices, which are identifiable by their glass walls. This design promotes an open-door policy that motivates students to seek advice and participate in intellectual conversations. This accessibility has played a vital role in my educational path, providing individualized assistance and perspectives that have significantly aided my development. In general, my experience at iCLA has been greatly influenced by the university’s dedication to creating a nurturing and mentally engaging atmosphere. My experience as a Political Science student has been completely transformed by the small class sizes and top-notch facilities.
Student experience
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Global Business and Economics
Student life at iCLA is an incredible experience, full of opportunities to experience various cultures, learn new skills, and have a lot of fun. First and foremost, iCLA is home to students from around the world. This diverse community allows us to learn about different cultural perspectives, broaden our horizons, and develop a global mindset. The presence of international students enhances our learning environment by bringing unique insights and experiences into the classroom. Additionally, our faculty is just as diverse, with many teachers from overseas. This international mix among both students and staff ensures a rich and varied educational experience. I also love that iCLA is located in Kofu, the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture. During holidays and weekends, we can explore many beautiful historical sites and enjoy fun places like Fuji-Q Highland, famous for its thrilling and high roller coasters. On top of that, iCLA regularly hosts events. At the end of each semester, we have a Gala event, with each Gala having its own theme. This semester’s theme was “Ninjas and Yokai.” The Gala featured an exhibition of student work, musical performances, snacks, and even a party at the end. Of course, there is much more that makes the study experience at iCLA unique, but these are the main aspects I wanted to highlight. The vibrant international community, diverse faculty, and engaging activities all contribute to a truly enriching experience.
Student experience
What food and cuisine have you tried and what is your favourite?
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Japan Studies
Since moving to Japan, one of the most memorable dishes I tried for the first time was houtou, a traditional noodle dish from Yamanashi Prefecture. It’s a hearty soup with flat, wide noodles, pumpkin, and seasonal vegetables, simmered in a miso-based broth. What makes it special for me is not just the taste: it’s deeply tied to the local culture and history. Houtou has long been considered a comforting, “home-style” dish that represents the identity of the region. Another dish I really enjoyed discovering is kaiseki ryōri (traditional Japanese haute cuisine). It’s a multi-course meal that focuses on seasonality, aesthetics, and harmony of flavors. Trying it is a delightful experience as it reflects core concepts of Japanese culture such as balance, seasonality (shun) and wabi-sabi. As for recommendations, I’d say to try local specialties wherever you are in Japan, they often reveal as much about the culture as books do!
Culture and Lifestyle
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Political Science
I have had the chance to try many Japanese dishes such as ramen, tempura, udon, onigiri ( a snack), and sushi. Each of them offered me a new experience in flavor and texture, making me appreciate the richness of Japanese cuisine. Among these, my absolute favorite is the tuna mayo onigiri. It quickly became my go to snack due to its blend of creamy tuna and rice wrapped in seaweed. My second favorite dish is udon, which impressed me so much that I even learned how to prepare it myself. I enjoy making it at home because it is cost effective, filling, and takes less than 45 mins to have a delicious, ready meal. The thick, chewy noodles combined with a light broth creates a comfort food that I can eat at any time of the day. For anyone visiting Japan, I would highly recommend trying tuna mayo onigiri from convenience stores and a bowl of freshly made udon. You might find yourself hooked just like I was.
Culture and Lifestyle
Bachelor of International Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts
Eversince moving to japan, food has always been a top priority of mine, as in i would never pass on an opportunity to try out local cuisines if given. There's so many to choose from, as Japan has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, but i have to go with ramen as my favorite, rather the entire Ramen family to put it. To begin with there's always the usual hard hitters like Tonkotsu, but then there's so much more to it, as each prefecture offers a different flavor profile, like miso ramen being a hokkaido specialty, and shoyu for yamanashi, there's so much flavor profiles to try, and to add it all up there's a variation too being tsukemen, where you dip the noodles in the broth instead and it's sooo good.
Culture and Lifestyle
