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Doshisha International School, Kyoto (DISK) is one of the newest members of the Doshisha family of schools. DISK was established in 2011 as a part of Doshisha International Academy (DIA), in the city of Kuzigawa. DISK is a grade 2-12 school that delivers an international curriculum in English, designed to meet the needs of the internationally-minded community residing in the Kansai area. DISK obtained international accreditation through the prestigious International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). IBO Diploma Program (DP) authorization came in late 2011 followed by the IBO Primary Years Program (PYP) authorization in early 2014. The quality of our teaching and programs was further validated when DISK obtained accreditation from the Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC) in July 2015. As an IBO World School, DISK supports students in becoming inquiring, open-minded, caring, reflective thinkers and communicators who take risks and are principled, knowledgeable, and balanced. The IBO programs provide the framework in which curriculum is delivered from grade 2 to grade 12. DISK teachers work within the framework to extend learning experiences that cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a modern global community. Doshisha International Academy (DIA) is a unique concept in Japan where two schools exist in the same building, guided by the same educational ideals. These schools are DISK and DIA ES (Elementary School). DISK implements an International curriculum closely associated with the IB through the English language. DIA ES (also referred to as Shotoubu) is a school that implements the Article 1 Japanese national curriculum model. As an International School, at DIA, based on the Educational Philosophy of Doshisha (Christianity, Liberalism, and Internationalism), we strive to nurture people who are dedicated to bettering their lives through lifelong learning, committed to bettering the world through global cooperation, and devoted to promoting love as the principle helping us choose the right path and cherish God's gift of life. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning. It provides an inquiry-based curriculum model that incorporates guidelines on what students should learn, how students should act as learners and as community members, teaching methodologies, and assessment strategies. The PYP is a guided inquiry approach to learning and teaching. Inquiry-based units of study, known as Units of Inquiry, are the focus for learning in homeroom classes, and when appropriate they are integrated into other curriculum areas. Students experience what it is like to think and act like a historian, scientist, engineer, or mathematician. Within each Unit of Inquiry, students and teachers identify together what they want to know, what they already know, what they need to know, and how best they might find that out. Knowledge in the PYP is developed through six Units of Inquiry in each grade level under the headings of six transdisciplinary themes. These themes are used to integrate subject knowledge across the main curriculum areas of languages, mathematics, social studies, science and technology, the arts, personal, physical, and social education (PPSE). The Units of Inquiry are significant for all students, give them opportunities to explore challenging, relevant, and engaging knowledge, encourage knowledge to be looked at in a transdisciplinary way, and can be revisited throughout the student's years of schooling. There are two bus services in operation for students who commute by train. The buses run from Shin-Hosono station on the Kintetsu Kyoto line, Hosono station on the JR Gakkentoshi line, and Nara Tomigaoka station on the Kintetsu Keihanna. The bus journey from the station to the school is approximately 10-15 minutes. Please check the tabs below for bus departure times to and from DIA. The school has an online lunch ordering system available through the school website for families wishing to order lunches. Please note the lunches need to be ordered 2 weeks in advance. The DISK library is a center for literacy and research, a place that fosters and celebrates the love of reading, and a learning and social hub for the whole school community. Our school library provides a wide range of books and multimedia resources to support teaching and learning, helps to facilitate access to information, and fosters a reading and information culture that promotes independently-motivated readers and learners for life. Students are issued with a library card to check out and in books and resources. Shortly, we hope to make our library accessible to the entire school community during and outside of school hours. Study trips are considered to be an integral part of the curriculum and it is expected that all students participate. Study trips are planned to tie into the curriculum and the cultural study of Japan, to give the students an opportunity for relevant, experiential learning. At times the focus may be more place-based, with students researching the geography and ecology of a region. All study trips involve prior preparation for the activity and follow-up evaluation and work in class. Some DISK Study Trips taken: Thailand elephant reserve, Hokkaido, annual ski trip, annual fall retreat, Toyooka trip, term study trips in the Kansai area, Japanese cultural excursions, Kushimoto marine park, and Model United Nations participation! View full school

Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts was established in Kyoto in 1876 by Joseph Hardy Neesima, the founder of Doshisha, his wife, Yae Neesima Alice J. Starkweather, an American missionary, and others. Dedicated to core principles of Christianity, internationalism, and liberal arts, the college has a history of constant innovation. It has grown to include eleven departments in six faculties and four graduate schools on two campuses in Kyotanabe and Imadegawa. Total enrollment is currently approximately 6,500 students. Our educational and research activities are based on the three educational pillars of Christianity, internationalism, and liberal arts. In 2016 we celebrated the 140th anniversary of our founding. Since its foundation, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts has upheld our founding spirit of love and freedom based on Christian teachings. The process of learning to establish oneself is deepened by nurturing feelings of love and dedication toward others. We aim to nurture women who are capable of demonstrating their love for others freely and willingly, without being preoccupied with their benefit—women who can indeed be "the salt of the earth and the light of the world." Through his experience in the Western world, Joseph Hardy Neesima realized the importance of seeing and analyzing history and events from an international, objective perspective rather than from the viewpoint of a single country. He put this insight into practice through education. To look at the world from a global perspective beyond differences in religion, culture, language, and ethnicity, and to seek a way of coexistence—these are the guiding principles of international education. Liberal arts originated from the seven areas of study (grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music) that intellectuals in medieval Europe pursued to cultivate their views of humanity and the world. Ever since liberal arts education has been a proud tradition in the Western world. Since our foundation, we at D.W.C.L.A. have been committed to liberal arts as our education's core. We encourage students to acquire knowledge and skills in the area of their specialization and study a wide range of academic disciplines to obtain a broad perspective and understanding and ultimately contribute to making the world a better place. With liberal arts as part of our core educational philosophy, we offer a wide range of flexible study options that enable students to demonstrate their individuality and eagerness to the full while expanding their knowledge. Students can take courses offered by departments other than the one they are enrolled in, take courses at Doshisha University and the Consortium of Universities in Kyoto and participate in a domestic student exchange program. By selecting courses of interest from a wide range of options and correlating them as they study, D.W.C.L.A. students can deepen their interests and specialization while gaining a broad perspective on life and developing a lively, creative mind. With our step-by-step curriculum of specialized courses, students can systematically and effectively acquire a high level of expertise. We also offer an array of courses aimed at practical training. As a result, many of our students pass the national exams for pharmacists and registered dietitians. Students can also take deepen their studies by taking related courses offered at other departments. Since our founding, we have continually emphasized intensive small-group instruction to cultivate students' individual qualities and intellectual potential. Discussions and group work are the main activities of such intimate classes. This is an ideal environment for students to acquire independence and logical thinking and hone presentation skills and communication skills over the four years of study. We are committed to offering each student support and guidance regarding her career path throughout her four years at our college. From the beginning, students are encouraged to think about their future career options and shape their outlook on life and work through related courses. Besides, we offer qualification examination preparation courses that are attended by more than 2,000 students every year and internship programs at business and governmental organizations. Third and fourth-year students are eligible for job placement guidance, seminars, and meeting sessions with recruitment staff and alumnae. Also available is a hospitality seminar in collaboration with ANA Group and the teacher training program center for those who seek a teaching position as their first career choice. View full university

In the turmoil of the last days of the Edo period, a young man was deeply concerned that Japan had no future unless it embraced various ideas and ways of thinking from Europe and America. Passionately driven by a desire to learn, a curiosity about the wider world, and a longing for freedom, he left Japan for the US by himself, breaking the seclusion policy that prohibited citizens from traveling overseas. On the US-bound ship, the man was given the name 'Joe.' Eventually, he became the first Japanese person to graduate from a US university. The man was Joseph Hardy Neesima, and it was Neesima who later founded Doshisha University. In practicing human education, Doshisha University emphasizes the linkage between education and research and fosters creativity in individual students. At its basis is our founding spirit, "education of the conscience," and adherence to our three educational philosophies. "Liberalism" is to value individuality, "Christian principles" are to respect and love others, and "Internationalism" is to see and understand the world with a broad perspective. Based on these philosophies, we conduct education and research in a liberal environment that respects individuality, producing graduates who play an active role in various fields of society. This is Doshisha University's identity that has been maintained throughout its history. Doshisha University is developing an innovative curriculum and educational programs rich in both quality and diversity. The university has also been engaged in an international standard's research activities, assuming a leading role in a wide range of academic disciplines. We are committed to creating new 'intellect' and making extensive contributions to society through a synergetic effect combining a solid educational foundation based on conscience with cutting-edge research initiatives. Doshisha University provides various educational opportunities and support services to help students expand their possibilities and achieve their full potential. Strong motivation and curiosity are the driving forces that push students to attain the highest levels of achievement. They gain through their autonomous activity at Doshisha University will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. We hope that all students will use their time at Doshisha to explore new interests and try new experiences, and in the process, discover something they can put their heart into and use in a future career. View full university