Introduction
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 2. Requirements of Program Completion 3. Student's Status and Credit Transfer
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 International co-learning classes Specialized classesNot 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. 2024 - Sep. 2024)
★Orientation Apr. 2, 2024 Class begins Apr. 8, 2024 Course Registration Period Apr. 8 - 19, 2024 Course Cancellation Period Apr. 22 - May 8, 2024 ★Trip June 15 Class ends Aug. 5, 2024 ★Final PresentationAug. 5, 2024
★ALL IPLA students must participate.
Fall Semester (Oct. 2024 - Mar. 2025)
★Orientation Sep. 27, 2024 Class begins Oct. 1, 2024 Course Registration Period Oct. 1 - 14, 2024 Course Cancellation Period Oct. 15 - 31, 2024 ★Trip Nov. 16 - 17 Winter Holiday Dec. 27, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025 Class ends Feb. 3, 2025 ★Final PresentationFeb. 3, 2025
★ALL IPLA students must participate.
Spring Semester (Apr. 2025 - Sep. 2025)
★Orientation Early Apr., 2025 Class begins Apr. 8, 2025 Course Registration Period Apr. 8 - 21, 2025 Course Cancellation Period Apr. 22 - May 7, 2025 ★Trip TBA Class ends Aug. 5, 2025 ★Final PresentationEarly Aug., 2025
★ALL IPLA students must participate.
Fall Semester (Oct. 2025 - Mar. 2026)
★Orientation Late Sep., 2025 Class begins Oct. 1, 2025 Course Registration Period Oct. 1 - 14, 2025 Course Cancellation Period Oct. 15 - 29, 2025 ★Trip TBA Winter Holiday Dec. 29, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 Class ends Feb. 3, 2026 ★Final PresentationEarly Feb., 2026
★ALL IPLA students must participate.
NOTE: Dates are subject to change.
Reference for Participants in IPLA
- 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 Student: 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
- Center for Career Support: 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 for their Instagram.
チューターの方はこちら
Student Voice