Winter Ski Trip to Rusutsu, Hokkaido

From December 18th 2022, over half of NUCB International College’s first Year 10 student cohorts embarked on a ski trip to Rusutsu in Hokkaido, Japan, to get a taste of Japan’s famous powder snow. Students were given the choice between skiing and snowboarding, many opting to challenge themselves with something new. With some students having never been to Japan before or even tried their hand at snow sports, this snow trip was a great opportunity for them to experience some of the best powder snow in the world in Hokkaido.

Students participated in daily lessons from experienced instructors hailing from Japan and Canada. Embodying the “frontier spirit” - the motto of our school - students challenged themselves daily by practising on varying different courses each session. By the last day, some students who had only taken up snow sports for the first time on this trip were able to traverse Black Diamond trails, and advanced-level runs, demonstrating their growth.

During this trip, one of our students even celebrated her 16th birthday. The strong bonds and care among the students shone through as they took the initiative in planning a surprise event; arranging for cake and gifts that night, as well as video-calling classmates who had not joined this trip to wish her happy birthday.

Another noteworthy event was when two students expertly handled an emergency situation involving a group of unrelated travellers in the same resort. Not only did the students demonstrate a spirit of “compassion”, as emphasized and encouraged within the IB learner profile, but they also displayed independence and leadership; one of NIC’s main educational philosophies, to the fullest extent by taking prompt action and caring for their community outside the classroom and school as well. They went above and beyond to not only stay with the traveller, but also call an ambulance, and even sent word to NIC staff to ensure their absence was accounted for. This was a testament to their daily life and responsibilities of living in a boarding school, as well as the international and cooperative outlook they have developed in an international school environment.

The winter ski trip will become an annual event at NIC, and it will be a tailored experience updated each year. This was an extraordinary experience to end the year 2022, and one that our students will surely remember fondly for the rest of their lives.

NIC Advantages

NUCB International College is designed to provide a world-class education with excellent facilities and a rich natural environment, on its 200-acre campus, in Nisshin city, Japan.

Excellence in Education

The case method, first developed at Harvard Business School in 1922 and now commonly used in elite academic institutions worldwide, is incorporated into the teaching approaches for leadership education at NIC. Small classes enable personalised supervision by multinational faculty members with master's or doctoral degrees and faculty from affiliated top business schools. In addition, the Summer School for prospective students (July) and a preparatory course (the Bridging Programme) for September admission are also offered.

Safe Boarding Environment

The school provides a safe and secure co-educational boarding environment with reference to international boarding standards. 'House Supervisors', who are well versed in psychological and health management, provide daily support and regular individual counselling to ensure optimal support and guidance for each student. Through living together with peers from different cultures and experiences, students develop the qualities required of the next generation of leaders.