# IPLA
**Source**: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/ipla/
**Parent**: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/degree/undergraduate-english/
International Program in Liberal Arts for Undergraduates\
\
- [TOP](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/)
- >[For International Students](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/)
- >[Exchange Programs](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/)
- > IPLA
- [Introduction](#ank01)
- [Curriculum](#ank02)
- [Academic Calendar](#ank03)
- [How to Apply](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/#application)
- [Support](#ank06)
- [Graduates](#ank07)
- [FAQ](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/exchange_faq/)
- [Contact](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/contact/)
## Introduction
IPLA provides an opportunity for students at our partner institutions to study a variety of Liberal Arts classes taught in English, including Economics, Management, Education, Law, History, and Literature at Tohoku University, Japan. The program also offers Japanese language and culture classes in order to assist students in understanding Japanese language and customs. Students who have attained adequate Japanese proficiency may take advanced Japanese language classes or regular classes with Japanese students.\
Cultural and intellectual exchange with Japanese students is an important part of the program and is achieved through group activities and interaction with local Japanese students, both in classes and in extracurricular activities.\
## Curriculum
IPLA offers comprehensive curriculum where students can choose classes across disciplines in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
After taking the Japanese Placement Test\* to measure Japanese language proficiency, IPLA participants register for compulsory and elective subjects that match their level as described below. Participants must earn 15 credits per term.
**Course information for the upcoming semesters will generally be available right before the semester starts.** (Spring semester-at the end of March, Fall semester- at the end of September) If you need them for making the academic plan while participating in the IPLA program, please refer to the past semester's course information for your reference. Please note that the course information is subject to change.
[1. Course Descriptions](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/ipla/ipla_curriculum_1/)\
[2. Requirements of Program Completion](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025Fall_0707updated_Requirements-of-Program-Completion.pdf)\
[3. Student's Status and Credit Transfer](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/ipla-old/ipla_curriculum_4/)
Two Tohoku University credits (TU credits) are to be given per course (90min.) in general.
Credit System: 1 Tohoku University credit is awarded for 45 hours of school work.
Grading Scale: AA (90-100)/A (80-89)/B (70-79)/C (60-69)/D (below 59)
| | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Japanese Level | **[Japanese Language Program](http://www.he.tohoku.ac.jp/SJLE/syllabi/)** | | **International****co-learning classes** | | Specialized classes |
| **Not Compulsory** | | **Compulsory** | Elective | |
| 1 | \*\*Kanji and courses of assigned level 1-2 credit(s) each | | 4 mandatory credits from the International co-learning classes | 1-2 credit(s) each | |
| 2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
\* This test is taken online once you have been accepted into the program and before you travel just before the start of the semester.
\*\* Level of Kanji/Vocabulary differs from Level of Japanese
※Subject to Change
## Spring Semester (Apr. 2026 - Aug. 2026)
| | |
| --- | --- |
| ★Orientation | Apr. 2, 2026 |
| Class begins | Apr. 8, 2026 |
| Course Registration Period | Apr. 8 - 21, 2026 |
| Course Cancellation Period | Apr. 22 - May 8, 2026 |
| ★Trip | Apr. 19 |
| Class ends | Aug. 5, 2026 |
| ★Final Presentation | Aug. 4 or 5, 2026 |
**★ALL IPLA students must participate.**
## Fall Semester (Oct. 2026 - Feb. 2027)
|
| |
| ★Orientation | Late Sep., 2026 |
| Class begins | Oct. 1, 2026 |
| Course Registration Period | Oct. 1 - 14, 2026 |
| Course Cancellation Period | Oct. 15 - 30, 2026 |
| ★Trip | TBA |
| Winter Holiday | Dec. 28, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027 |
| Class ends | Feb. 3, 2027 |
| ★Final Presentation | Early Feb., 2027 |
**★ALL IPLA students must participate.**
## Spring Semester (Apr. 2027 - Aug. 2027)
|
| |
| ★Orientation | Early Apr., 2027 |
| Class begins | Early Apr., 2027 |
| Course Registration Period | Early Apr. - Mid. Apr., 2027 |
| Course Cancellation Period | Late Apr. - Early May, 2027 |
| ★Trip | TBA |
| Class ends | Early Aug., 2027 |
| ★Final Presentation | Early Aug., 2027 |
**★ALL IPLA students must participate.**
NOTE: Dates are subject to change.
## Reference for Participants in IPLA
- **[Preparing to Arrive](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/preparing-to-arrive/)**: Indtructions for the period between the acceptance and departure to Japan
- **Getting Started in Japan**: Instructions for the period after the arrival in Japan and the first few weeks on campus
- **Current Students**: Information for the exchange students currently participating in the IPLA
- **Leaving Procedures**: Instructions for leaving Japan for the IPLA students
## Support
- Tohoku University provides a fully integrated support service for International students.
[Click here for details](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/exchange-program-support/)
- **[Center for Career Support](https://www.career.ihe.tohoku.ac.jp/en/)**: Inquiry about the Career in Japan
### IPLANET and Tutors
IPLANET is a student organization that supports students in the International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA). They plan special events such as cooking classes, cultural experiences, and welcome and farewell parties for IPLA students to experience and enjoy. They also organize the Global Cafe, in which IPLA students teach their native languages and cultures. Many members assist IPLA students as tutors in various matters from study to daily life.
[Click here](https://www.instagram.com/iplanet_tohoku/) for their Instagram.
[チューターの方はこちら](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/ipla-tutor/)
## Graduate Students in the field of Liberal Arts
We offer other enrollment opportunities for those applicants through the Department Direct Exchange Scheme. The guidelines for the Department Direct Exchange Scheme can be found below. Application method differs depending on each Faculty/Graduate School.
| | |
| --- | --- |
| Graduate School | Contact / How to Apply |
| [Education](https://www.sed.tohoku.ac.jp/campus/inquiry.html) | [How to Apply](http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/admissions/admission_graduate.html) NOTE STEP 1: Applicants are only allowed to contact one prospective supervisor at a time. |
| [Law](http://www.law.tohoku.ac.jp/contact/) |
| [Intercultural Studies](https://www.intcul.tohoku.ac.jp/en/access_contact) |
| [Arts and Letters](https://www.sal.tohoku.ac.jp/en/) | art-kyom@grp.tohoku.ac.jp |
| [Economics and Management](https://www.econ.tohoku.ac.jp/en/) | eco-in@grp.tohoku.ac.jp |
[Student Voice](https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/ipla/students-voice201610/)
## Photo Gallery