NUCB International College “2023 Spring School” ~Experience dormitory life with a residential English programme~

Taking advantage of the spring break period in Japan, NUCB International College (NIC) in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, held its inaugural Spring School from Saturday, March 25t to Tuesday, March 28 for four days and three nights. Junior high school students from all over Japan enjoyed experiencing classes utilising the Harvard-style Case Method, as well as various activities based on student-centred, active learning. Additionally, they also participated in activities that were organized and run by current NIC students at the International House; where both Spring School and NIC students resided during the Spring School period, allowing them to forge and nurture bonds with one another.

Our school, which aims to nurture world-class leaders, provides an environment where students of diverse backgrounds and experiences from both Japan and abroad can come together to learn. Approved by the Aichi Prefecture and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, all classes at NIC are conducted in English except for Japanese language classes. As of December 12, 2022, NIC has been certified as an IB World School, becoming the first international boarding school in the Tokai region, and one of only a handful in Japan.

The most distinctive feature of the education at NUCB International College is its teaching style; which combines the exploratory learning of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with the Harvard-style Case Method. At this Spring School, one class explored a case that used the on-campus Golf driving range as its subject matter. After first deepening their analytical understanding and thinking through group and class discussions, participants were challenged to innovate how a golf course could be used to attract children and youth. In groups, students both devised and implemented an original golf-based game, which they filmed and edited into a video presentation.

In another class, students read case materials regarding one painter’s personal process of creating artwork, then followed that up with an experience in creating their own unique artwork using nature as the subject matter. In this “Creative Project”, students were encouraged to break out of existing habits and thought processes to think creatively and innovatively in order to use unrelated pictures together to connect them into a singular story of their own creation. Participants were able to experience the unique learning environment utilized at NIC, which challenges students to use all five senses in order to enhance thinking, deepen understanding through discussion, and express themselves through their artwork and presentations.

Another key feature at NUCB International College is the dormitory life, which allows students to experience an international environment, and foster independent sensibilities. Participants joined in on activities planned out by current NIC students and enjoyed interacting with one another in a relaxed setting that differed from that within a classroom. Participants were able to not only bond with each other but also with our existing students; with many taking the opportunity to ask them questions about their actual life and schooling experiences at NIC.

Later this summer, a more comprehensive Summer Programme will also be held for 10 days and 9 nights (July 22 - 30, 2023). This will be the fourth time NIC has hosted the programme, with applications exceeding capacity each time, therefore we encourage those interested in participating to register as soon as possible.

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.