The Institute for the Liberal Arts, Doshisha University

We received an inspiring message from ILA alumna Anna Malpas.

Now pursuing doctoral research in Anthropology at the University of Oxford, Anna reflects on how the curiosity, intellectual freedom, and interdisciplinary learning she experienced at the ILA continue to shape her academic journey.

We invite you to hear her story.

Why Study the Liberal Arts?

In a world where there is rarely just one right answer, what abilities should we develop?

1. Analyze and Interpret Information
Learn how to evaluate evidence, identify patterns, and understand complex issues from multiple perspectives.

2. Form and Express Informed Opinions
Develop the ability to think critically, build strong arguments, and confidently share your ideas.

3. Communicate Effectively
Strengthen your skills in discussion, presentation, and academic writing across cultures and disciplines.

4. Appreciate the Richness of a Diverse Human Culture
Explore different cultures, histories, and perspectives while developing a deeper understanding of the world.

5. Better Understand Human Nature and Society
Examine how people, communities, and institutions shape the societies we live in.

A feature article introducing Imari Yasuno from Doshisha University's Faculty of Social Studies and her experience with the International Specialization Program at The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA).

国際教育インスティテュート 国際専修コース | One Purpose 同志社大学グローバル・コミュニケーション学部の特徴的な学び

同志社大学で、世界につながる学びを。

国際教育インスティテュート（ILA）では、すべての授業を英語で開講しています。世界各国から集まる学生と、日本人学生が共に学ぶ国際的な環境の中で、多様な価値観や視点に触れながら学びを深めています。

ILA国際専修コースでは、同志社大学に在籍しながら、英語で行われるILAの授業を履修することができます。 日本社会や文化、国際関係、政治、法律、経済、ビジネスなど、幅広い分野を英語で学びながら、グローバルな視野と実践的なコミュニケーション力を身につけてみませんか?

説明会では、実際の授業内容や学びの特色、国際色豊かなILAの学びの環境についてご紹介します。世界各国から集まる学生と共に学び、多様な価値観に触れながら、英語で考え、議論し、発信する力を磨く。そんなILAならではの学びに興味のある方は、ぜひお気軽にご参加ください。

Start Your Global Journey at Doshisha — in English.

At the Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA), all classes are taught entirely in English. Students from around the world learn alongside Japanese students in an international environment that encourages the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas.

Through the International Specialization Program, Doshisha University students can enroll in ILA courses taught in English. Explore a wide range of subjects—including Japanese society and culture, international relations, politics, law, economics, and business—while developing a global perspective and practical communication skills.

At this information session, you will learn more about the ILA’s courses, academic approach, and internationally diverse learning environment. Study alongside students from around the world, engage with different perspectives, and strengthen your ability to think, discuss, and communicate in English. If you are interested in the unique learning experience that the ILA offers, we warmly invite you to join us.


#国際専修コース #英語で学ぶ

All ILA classes are conducted entirely in English. On this day, Professor Baker, a scholar of art history and popular media, led the class “World, Youth, and Pop Culture.”

Students explored the relationship between contemporary social media and human social behavior. Drawing on Tom Standage’s writing, they examined how humans have long formed communities through sharing information and connecting with others, and considered how these deeply rooted tendencies continue to shape digital communication and youth culture today. Through discussion and critical reflection, students engaged with familiar aspects of everyday life from new and unexpected perspectives.

Later in the class, students broke into small groups and engaged in lively discussion. Moving from group to group, Professor Baker listened closely to students’ conversations and, at times, joined in—posing questions and encouraging the discussion to develop in deeper and more thoughtful directions. Throughout the room, students presented their independent research, actively exchanged ideas, and learned from one another’s perspectives, creating an atmosphere of curiosity, engagement, and shared inquiry.

At the ILA, moments like these are part of everyday learning: students from diverse cultural backgrounds exchanging perspectives, exploring ideas, and growing through shared inquiry.

Today, under Kyoto’s early summer sky, the temperature reached 30°C, and the strong sunlight made the changing season unmistakable.

Clarke Memorial Hall—one of the most iconic symbols of Doshisha University’s Imadegawa Campus—is beautiful not only from the outside, but also within. The quiet atmosphere, soft light through the windows, and timeless interior create a truly special space.

Clarke Chapel hosts Chapel Hour every Tuesday through Friday, and the annual Chapel Concert is held each November.

We received an inspiring message from ILA alumnus Boon How Chua.

Now building an impressive global career while pursuing his MBA, he reflects on how his experiences at the ILA continue to shape his path today.

We invite you to hear his story!

The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) is hosting a lunchtime seminar titled “Getting to know Job Hunting in Japan” for all students who are aiming to start a career in Japan.

The seminar will be conducted in English and provide practical information on the job-hunting process in Japan. This is a valuable opportunity for students who wish to build their career in Japan and are looking to take the first step in their job search.

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Naho Inoue from the Doshisha University Career Center as the speaker, who will share detailed insights on accessing support services, the job-hunting schedule, and the Japanese language skills required for employment in Japan.

No prior registration is required. We look forward to your participation.

The Japanese College Fair 2026 SPRING, an online event hosted by Lighthouse for international students, will take place from May 19th (Tue) to 21st (Thu), 2026 (U.S. time).

The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA) at Doshisha University will also be participating, offering a live information session conducted in English. Our session will be held on Tuesday, May 19th (U.S. time) / Wednesday, May 20th (Japan time). Find the session time in your own time zone—from Hawaii to Australia, from Japan to UTC.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. Please sign up using the link below.
https://japan-universities.com/en/event/collegefair.html

We look forward to welcoming you at the session.

At the ILA, students from over 42 countries—international degree-seeking students, Japanese students from across Doshisha, and exchange students from our global partner institutions—learn together in English. Located within a large and prestigious university, ILA offers the benefits of a small, close-knit learning environment, including seminar-style classes and access to a wide range of academic disciplines. We aim to provide an interdisciplinary and global liberal arts education that crosses traditional academic boundaries and prepares students for today’s interconnected world.

Earn a world-class, English-taught degree while immersing yourself in Japan.
The Institute for the Liberal Arts (ILA), Doshisha University
Kyoto, JAPAN

Earn a world-class, English-taught degree while immersing yourself in Japan.

From May 19th (Tue) to 21st (Thu), 2026 (U.S. time), the Japanese College Fair 2026 SPRING—an online event hosted by Lighthouse, a U.S.-based organization—will be held for international students interested in studying in Japan.

Universities from across Japan will participate, offering live-streamed information sessions for students from around the world. If you are considering pursuing higher education in Japan, this will be a valuable opportunity to discover institutions that align with your goals and aspirations.

The Institute for the Liberal Arts at Doshisha University (ILA) will also take part in this fair. Our session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th, from 17:30 to 18:00 PM (Pacific Daylight Time), which corresponds to Wednesday, May 20th, from 9:30 to 10:00 AM (Japan time). The session will be conducted entirely in English. We look forward to welcoming you at the session.

Participation is free of charge, but pre-registration is required. If you are interested, please visit the official website linked below to sign up.
https://x.gd/7G5y9