The academic year at ICU is divided into three trimesters (Autumn, Winter and Spring) of approximately eleven weeks each. Students register and complete courses in each term. The trimester system allows students to choose courses according to their academic interests at the time. It also allows for April and September cohorts - the basis of ICU's international student body.
Please note that we only accept exchage/invitee students in September, from Autumn term, not from other two terms.
Academic calendar for 2009-2010

Most ICU courses count for either 3 or 2 units of credit. Three-unit course meet for three 70-minute periods or two 105-minute periods per week. Two-unit courses meet for two 70-minute periods per week. Language courses may meet more frequently, and the Japanese Language Programs courses meet for either 10 or 20 periods. Please see here for more information.
Student achievement in course work is recorded by letter grades as follows: A, outstanding; B, commendable; C, satisfactory; D, minimal; E, failing. The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the sum of the grade points earned by the number of units taken. For each unit of work, grade points are given as follows: A, 4 points; B, 3 points; C, 2 points; D, 1 point; E, 0 point.

Except for the English Language Program courses, Exchange/Invitee students can take any classes offered under the College of Liberal Arts. As long as students register for 6 units (9 units if they don't take Japanese Language Programs) per term, exchange/invitee students are bound only by the requirements of their home institutions and/or their own capacities and choices.
April entering students normally register for 12 to 15 units each term, September entering students (including exchange / invitee students) who take Japanese Language Programs generally take 8 to 15 units (Japanese Language Program and one to three academic courses) as the Japanese language courses are quite intensive. Course offerings for AY2010-2011 and class schedules will be available in May.

Currently, about 20% of all courses at ICU are offered in English, and roughly 80% of the classes are taught in Japanese (Please go to the next page for a list of courses). However, some courses may only be offered in alternate years in addition to cancellation and conflict with others, you are, therefore, recommended to remain flexible in selecting them.
The policy and rules concerning registration may be much different from those at your home institution. We request each student to refer to the informaton thoroughly and follow the necessary procedures.