Program Overview

Introduction to the International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA)

The International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA) at Tohoku University provides an opportunity for students from partner institutions to study a variety of Liberal Arts classes taught in English. These classes include subjects such as Economics, Management, Education, Law, History, and Literature. Additionally, the program offers Japanese language and culture classes to assist students in understanding Japanese language and customs.

Curriculum

IPLA offers a 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. Participants must earn 15 credits per term.

Course Information

• Course Descriptions
• Requirements of Program Completion
• Student's Status and Credit Transfer

Two Tohoku University credits (TU credits) are given per course (90 minutes) in general. The credit system awards 1 Tohoku University credit for 45 hours of school work. The grading scale is as follows: AA (90-100), A (80-89), B (70-79), C (60-69), D (below 59).

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar for the IPLA program is as follows:

• Fall Semester (Oct 2025 - Feb 2026)
  • Orientation: Late Sep 2025
  • Class begins: Oct 1, 2025
  • Course Registration Period: Oct 1 - 14, 2025
  • Course Cancellation Period: Oct 15 - 31, 2025
  • Winter Holiday: Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026
  • Class ends: Feb 3, 2026
  • Final Presentation: Feb 3, 2026
• 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
  • Class ends: Aug 5, 2026
  • Final Presentation: Aug 4 or 5, 2026

Support

Tohoku University provides a fully integrated support service for international students, including:

• Center for Career Support: Inquiry about careers in Japan
• IPLANET and Tutors: A student organization that supports IPLA students with special events, cultural experiences, and tutoring.

Reference for Participants

• Preparing to Arrive: Instructions for the period between acceptance and departure to Japan
• Getting Started in Japan: Instructions for the period after arrival in Japan and the first few weeks on campus
• Current Students: Information for exchange students currently participating in the IPLA
• Leaving Procedures: Instructions for leaving Japan for IPLA students